stab
word
Definition
To stab means to push a knife or another sharp object into someone or something. It can also mean a sudden sharp pain, or an attempt to do something in the expression 'take a stab at'.
Usage & Nuances
Most often, 'stab' is a violent verb and is much stronger than 'poke' or 'stick'. As a noun, 'a stab of pain' is common for sudden sharp pain. The idiom 'take a stab at' is informal and means to try something, often without confidence or experience.
Example Sentences
The man tried to stab him with a knife.
basic
I felt a stab of pain in my back.
basic
She took a stab at the answer.
basic
He was lucky the broken glass didn't stab deeper into his hand.
natural
Every time I laugh, I get a sharp stab in my side.
natural
I don't know much about coding, but I can take a stab at fixing it.
natural