stab
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /stæb/
KK: /stæb/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a quick, sharp movement with a pointed object, often to attack or injure.
Example
He decided to stab at the balloon with a sharp stick.
Tense Forms
Past: stabbed
Past Participle: stabbed
Conversation
I saw you stab at that piece of meat like you were angry or something!
Haha, I was just trying to cut it properly!
It looked like you were on a mission to conquer your dinner.
Well, sometimes you just have to stab through the challenges, right?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
thrust
poke
jab
Antonyms
withdraw
retreat
recede
noun
Definition
A sudden injury caused by a sharp object, often resulting in a piercing pain.
Example
He felt a stab of pain in his side after the fall.
Conversation
I felt a sudden stab of pain in my side earlier.
Oh no! Did you hurt yourself?
Yeah, I think I just twisted something wrong while exercising.
transitive verb
Definition
To push a sharp object into something or someone, often causing injury.
Example
He tried to stab the meat with a fork.
Tense Forms
Past: stabbed
Past Participle: stabbed
Conversation
Did you see how he stabbed that steak at dinner?
Yeah, it looked like he was really hungry!
I thought he might actually stab himself with that fork.
Root Explanation
The word 'stab' originates from Middle English 'stabben', which is derived from Old English 'stabban', meaning to pierce or thrust. It describes the action of piercing something with a pointed object.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of 'piercing' something with a sharp object — that's what 'stab' means.
Visually Confused Words
staab
tab
sab
bestab