Barbed

/bɑːrbd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

The past tense of 'barb', meaning to provide or furnish with barbs.

The fisherman barbed the hooks before casting his line into the water.

adjective

Having sharp points or spikes on the edge or surface; often used to describe a structure that is designed to injure or trap.

The barbed wire was strung around the perimeter to deter intruders.

Cutting or hurtful in tone or manner; intended to insult or wound emotionally.

She couldn't help but feel hurt by his barbed comments during the meeting.

Derived from Middle English 'barb', meaning a barb or sharp point.

barbed wire

A type of fencing wire having sharp points or edges.

barbed criticism

Criticism that is sharp and hurtful.

barb

A sharp, pointed projection.

spike

A sharp, slender projection.

A phrase or comment that is sarcastically sharp.

Her comment was so barbed that it left him speechless.

To criticize someone sharply.

He barbed her for her poor performance at the meeting.