v. & n.
--v. (stabbed, stabbing)
1. tr. pierce or wound with a (usu. short) pointed tool or weapon e.g. a knife or dagger.
2 intr. (often foll. by at) aim a blow with such a weapon.
3 intr. cause a sensation like being stabbed (stabbing pain).
4 tr. hurt or distress (a person, feelings, conscience, etc.).
5 intr. (foll. by at) aim a blow at a person's reputation, etc.
--n.
1. a an instance of stabbing. b a blow or thrust with a knife etc.
2 a wound made in this way.
3 a blow or pain inflicted on a person's feelings.
4 colloq. an attempt, a try.
Phrases and idioms:
stab in the back n. a treacherous or slanderous attack.
--v.tr. slander or betray.
Derivatives:
stabber n.
Etymology: ME: cf. dial. stob in sense 1 of v.