Sting

/stɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sharp, localized pain caused by a prick or wound.

I felt a sharp sting on my arm after the mosquito bit me.

the act of stinging; a wound or injury caused by a sting.

The doctor examined the sting on her wrist.

an emotional hurt or wound.

There was a sting in his heart when he remembered the lost opportunity.

verb

to prick or wound with a sharp point or to cause a sharp pain.

The bee will sting if it feels threatened.

to cause a sharp, brief pain, often associated with an insect bite or injection.

The cold water made my skin sting at first.

to cause emotional pain or distress.

Her words stung, leaving him feeling hurt and rejected.

Old English 'stingan', meaning 'to pierce or sting'.

sting in the tail:

An unexpected unpleasant aspect of something that is otherwise pleasant.

to have a sting in one's tail:

To have a nasty surprise in store or an unpleasant result.

To con someone; to cheat.

He really stung me when he took my money and disappeared.

To feel emotional pain from something said or done.

That breakup really stung.