First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1sting
verb \ˈstiŋ\
of an insect, plant, or animal : to hurt (someone) by piercing the skin with a sharp, pointed part that usually contains poison
: to cause a quick, sharp pain
: to feel a quick sharp pain
stung \ˈstəŋ\ sting·ing \ˈstiŋ-iŋ\
Full Definition of STING
transitive verb
1
: to prick painfully: as a : to pierce or wound with a poisonous or irritating process b : to affect with sharp quick pain or smart <hail stung their faces>
2
: to cause to suffer acutely <stung with remorse>
3
: overcharge, cheat
intransitive verb
1
: to wound one with or as if with a sting
2
: to feel a keen burning pain or smart; also : to cause such pain
— sting·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of STING
Middle English, from Old English stingan; akin to Old Norse stinga to sting and probably to Greek stachys spike of grain, stochos target, aim
Related to STING
- Synonyms
- gouge, soak, overcharge, surcharge
- Antonyms
- undercharge
2sting
noun
: a quick, sharp pain
: an injury caused when an insect or animal stings you
: a complicated and clever plan that is meant to deceive someone especially in order to catch criminals
Full Definition of STING
1
2
: stinger 2
3
: a sharp or stinging element, force, or quality
4
: an elaborate confidence game; specifically : such a game worked by undercover police in order to trap criminals
See sting defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STING
before 12th century
Related to STING
STING Defined for Kids
1sting
verb \ˈstiŋ\
stung \ˈstəŋ\sting·ing
Definition of STING for Kids
1
: to prick painfully usually with a sharp or poisonous stinger <A bee stung my hand.>
2
: to suffer or affect with sharp quick burning pain <Hail stung their faces.>
3
: to hurt emotionally <She was stung by the harsh criticism.>
2sting
noun
Definition of STING for Kids
1
: an act of pricking painfully usually with a sharp or poisonous stinger <a bee's sting>
2
: a wound or burning pain caused by the pricking of the skin with a stinger <the sting of a bitter wind>
3
: emotional pain <the sting of criticism>
4
: stinger
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