PRICK

(MAKE HOLES) [verb] [T] - to make a very small hole or holes in the surface of (something), sometimes in a way which causes pain, or to cause a sudden painPrick the skin of the potatoes with a fork before baking them.I accidentally pricked my finger with a needle and it bled.Watch out for thorns on the roses, they might prick you. [T]She pricked the balloon with a pin and it burst with a loud bang.(figurative) They had three extraordinarily successful years and then the recession pricked the balloon/bubble (= spoilt a good situation).If something pricks your conscience, you regret something you have or have not done, or you are caused to do something.The phone call pricked his conscience - he remembered he had agreed to buy the books but had forgotten all about it.This film about the famine pricked our consciences and we decided to send a donation.