stab
stab / stab/ • v. (stabbed, stab·bing) [tr.] (of a person) thrust a knife or other pointed weapon into (someone) so as to wound or kill: he stabbed him in the stomach | [as n.] (stabbing) the fatal stabbings of four rival gang members. ∎ [intr.] make a thrusting gesture or movement at something with a pointed object: she stabbed at the earth with the fork | [tr.] she stabbed the air with her forefinger ∎ [intr.] (stab into/through) (of a sharp or pointed object) violently pierce: a sharp end of wicker stabbed into his sole. ∎ [intr.] (stab at) (of a pain or painful thing) cause a sudden sharp sensation: [as adj.] (stabbing) I felt a stabbing pain in my chest. • n. 1. a thrust with a knife or other pointed weapon: [as adj.] multiple stab wounds. ∎ a wound made in such a way: she had a deep stab in the back. ∎ a thrusting movement with a finger or other pointed object: impatient stabs of his finger. ∎ Tennis a shot made with a thrusting motion. ∎ a sudden sharp feeling or pain: she felt a stab of jealousy.2. (stab at) inf. an attempt to do (something): Meredith made a feeble stab at joining in.PHRASES: a stab in the back a treacherous act or statement.stab someone in the back betray someone.a stab in the darksee dark.DERIVATIVES: stab·ber n.