First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1stab
noun \ˈstab\
: a wound made by a pointed weapon (such as a knife)
: a sudden, strong feeling of physical or emotional pain
: an attempt to do something successfully
Full Definition of STAB
1
: a wound produced by a pointed object or weapon
2
a : a thrust of a pointed weapon b : a jerky thrust
4
: a sudden sharp feeling <stabs of regret>
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Origin of STAB
Middle English stabbe
2stab
verb
: to wound (someone or something) with a pointed weapon (such as a knife)
: to quickly or suddenly push a pointed object into or toward someone or something
stabbedstab·bing
Full Definition of STAB
transitive verb
1
: to wound or pierce by the thrust of a pointed object or weapon
intransitive verb
: to thrust or give a wound with or as if with a pointed weapon
— stab·ber noun
— stab in the back
: betray
See stab defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STAB
1530
STABBING Defined for Kids
1stab
noun \ˈstab\
Definition of STAB for Kids
1
: a wound produced by or as if by a pointed weapon
2
: 2thrust 1 <His first stab missed.>
2stab
verb
stabbedstab·bing
Definition of STAB for Kids
1
: to wound or pierce with or as if with a pointed weapon
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