n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: stuck \ ' st ə k \ ; stick · ing
Etymology: Middle English stikken, from Old English stician; akin to Old High German sticken to prick, Latin in stigare to urge on, goad, Greek stizein to tattoo
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to pierce with something pointed : STAB b : to kill by piercing
2 : to push or thrust so as or as if to pierce
3 a : to fasten by thrusting in b : IMPALE c : PUSH , THRUST
4 : to put or set in a specified place or position
5 : to furnish with things fastened on by or as if by piercing
6 : to attach by or as if by causing to adhere to a surface
7 a : to compel to pay especially by trickery <got stuck with the bar bill> b : OVERCHARGE
8 a : to halt the movement or action of b : BAFFLE , STUMP
9 a : CHEAT , DEFRAUD b : to saddle with something disadvantageous or disagreeable <is still stuck with that lousy car>
10 : to execute (a landing) flawlessly in gymnastics
intransitive verb
1 : to hold to something firmly by or as if by adhesion: a : to become fixed in place by means of a pointed end b : to become fast by or as if by miring or by gluing or plastering < stuck in the mud>
2 a : to remain in a place, situation, or environment b : to hold fast or adhere resolutely : CLING <she stuck to her story> c : to remain effective d : to keep close in a chase or competition
3 : to become blocked, wedged, or jammed
4 a : BALK , SCRUPLE b : to find oneself baffled c : to be unable to proceed
5 : PROJECT , PROTRUDE
– stick in one's craw : to irritate, nag at, or obsess one
– stick it to : to treat harshly or unfairly
– stick one's neck out : to make oneself vulnerable by taking a risk
– stick to one's guns : to maintain one's position especially in face of opposition
– stuck on : infatuated with
synonyms STICK , ADHERE , COHERE , CLING , CLEAVE mean to become closely attached. STICK implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together <couldn't get the label to stick >. ADHERE is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together <antibodies adhering to a virus>. COHERE suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass <eggs will make the mixture cohere >. CLING implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils < clinging to a capsized boat>. CLEAVE stresses strength of attachment <the wet shirt cleaved to his back>.