Stinging: meaning, definitions and examples

🐝

Add to dictionary

stinging

[ˈstɪŋɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Causing a sharp, tingling, or burning sensation.

Synonyms

burning, sharp, tingling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stinging	This word is often used to describe a quick, intensely painful sensation, often associated with insect bites, cuts, or harsh chemical reactions. The stinging sensation from the jellyfish sting was unbearable. I felt a stinging pain when I poured alcohol on the cut.
sharp	Sharp is used to describe a sudden, piercing pain, often associated with cuts, punctures, or certain types of muscle spasms. It can also describe mental acuity or keen perception. The sharp pain in my side made it hard to breathe. Her sharp wit always kept everyone on their toes.
tingling	Tingling is used to describe a light, prickly sensation, often associated with numbness, excitement, or anticipation. My hand started tingling after I sat on it for too long. She felt a tingling excitement as she prepared to go on stage.
burning	Burning is used to describe a hot, painful sensation, like that experienced in a burn or excessive heat exposure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense emotion. After touching the hot pan, I felt a burning sensation on my fingers. His burning desire for revenge led him to do things he never imagined.

Examples of usage

The stinging pain of a bee sting.
She felt a stinging sensation on her skin after touching the nettle plant.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To cause a sharp, tingling, or burning sensation.

Synonyms

hurt, pierce, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stinging	Used when describing a sharp, burning pain, often caused by something minor like an insect bite or a small cut. The stinging sensation from the bee sting made her wince. He couldn't bear the stinging pain of the antiseptic on his cut.
hurt	A general term for experiencing pain, whether physical or emotional. Can be used in both serious and minor scenarios. My knee hurts after I fell down the stairs. She was hurt by his harsh words.
wound	Refers to an injury involving a break in the skin, often serious or in a medical context. Can also describe emotional damage, often in a literary or formal manner. The soldier received a wound during the battle. Time can heal many emotional wounds.
pierce	Used when something sharp goes through or into something. Often refers to physical penetration with a pointed object. The needle will pierce the fabric easily. A sharp wind seemed to pierce through his thick coat.

Examples of usage

The cold wind stung her cheeks.
The harsh words stung his heart.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sting' comes from the Old English 'stingan', which means to pierce or poke.
Interestingly, 'sting' has been part of the English language since the 12th century, showing how long we've understood this feeling.

Biology

Many animals, like bees and jellyfish, use stinging as a defense mechanism to protect themselves.
The venom produced by some creatures can cause various reactions, from mild irritation to severe allergic responses in humans.

Cultural References

In literature, stinging often symbolizes emotional pain, such as heartbreak or loss, enhancing the reader's empathy.
In music, the phrase 'stinging pain' is often used to describe intense emotional experiences in songs.

Psychology

Experiencing a stinging sensation can trigger a fight-or-flight response in our brains, preparing us to react quickly to threats.
The emotional 'sting' related to feelings of rejection or hurt can linger, impacting our mental health and self-esteem.

Folklore

In various cultures, there are folk remedies involving plants that are said to alleviate the sting from insect bites, showing nature’s role in healing.
Some traditional stories refer to creatures that 'sting' as symbols of treachery or warning, teaching moral lessons to children.

Translations

Translations of the word "stinging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picada

🇮🇳 डंक मारना

🇩🇪 stechend

🇮🇩 menyengat

🇺🇦 жалячий

🇵🇱 kłujący

🇯🇵 刺すような

🇫🇷 piquant

🇪🇸 punzante

🇹🇷 sokma

🇰🇷 찌르는

🇸🇦 لاذع

🇨🇿 píchavý

🇸🇰 pichľavý

🇨🇳 刺痛的

🇸🇮 pikajoč

🇮🇸 stingandi

🇰🇿 шағатын

🇬🇪 მკვეთრი

🇦🇿 sancma

🇲🇽 punzante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,778, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16775 foaming
16776 histology
16777 functionaries
16778 stinging
16779 moor
16780 marl
16781 truer
...