I. ˈstiŋ verb
( stung ˈstəŋ ; sting·ing ˈstiŋ-iŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stingan; akin to Old Norse stinga to sting and probably to Greek stachys spike of grain, stochos target, aim
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to prick painfully: as
a. : to pierce or wound with a poisonous or irritating process
b. : to affect with sharp quick pain or smart
hail stung their faces
2. : to cause to suffer acutely
stung with remorse
3. : overcharge , cheat
intransitive verb
1. : to wound one with or as if with a sting
2. : to feel a keen burning pain or smart ; also : to cause such pain
• sting·ing·ly -iŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the act of stinging ; specifically : the thrust of a stinger into the flesh
b. : a wound or pain caused by or as if by stinging
2. : stinger 2
3. : a sharp or stinging element, force, or quality
4. : an elaborate confidence game ; specifically : such a game worked by undercover police in order to trap criminals