Meaning & Definition of word "Sting"

Sting

/stɪŋ/

1. a sharp, localized pain caused by a prick or wound.
- Example: I felt a sharp sting on my arm after the mosquito bit me.
2. the act of stinging; a wound or injury caused by a sting.
- Example: The doctor examined the sting on her wrist.
3. an emotional hurt or wound.
- Example: There was a sting in his heart when he remembered the lost opportunity.

1. to prick or wound with a sharp point or to cause a sharp pain.
- Example: The bee will sting if it feels threatened.
2. to cause a sharp, brief pain, often associated with an insect bite or injection.
- Example: The cold water made my skin sting at first.
3. to cause emotional pain or distress.
- Example: 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.

stingray:

A flat-bodied fish known for its sharp tail spine.

stinger:

A device or part that causes a sting, often referring to something that inflicts pain.

Meaning: To con someone; to cheat.

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

Meaning: To feel emotional pain from something said or done.

Example Sentence: That breakup really stung.