Stab

/stæb/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a thrust with a pointed weapon.

The stab was deep and required immediate medical attention.

a sudden or sharp pain.

He felt a stab of pain in his chest during the run.

an attempt to achieve something.

They gave it a stab at solving the puzzle, but it was too difficult.

verb

to thrust a pointed weapon into someone or something.

He tried to stab the balloon with a pin to pop it.

to injure someone with a sharp object.

The victim was stabbed in the alley last night.

to make a quick or sudden movement, as if to stab.

She made a stab at catching the falling book but missed.

Middle English 'stabben', from Old Norse 'staf', meaning 'to stick or pierce'.

stab in the back

To betray someone who trusts you.

take a stab at

To attempt something, especially a guess or estimation.

a stab at it

An attempt or effort to do something.

stabbing

The act of thrusting a sharp object into something or someone.

stabber

A person who stabs.

To betray someone unexpectedly.

She really stabbed him when she shared his secret.

To attempt or try something.

I think I'll take a stab at that new recipe.