sting
word
Definition
To sting is to cause a sharp sudden pain, like when an insect uses its needle-like part to hurt you. It can also describe a burning feeling on the skin or the emotional pain caused by cruel words or rejection.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns: 'a bee stings', 'my eyes sting', and 'his comment stung'. The physical meaning is very common; the emotional meaning is also frequent in everyday speech. As a noun, 'a sting' is the pain or the act itself. Don't confuse it with 'bite': bees usually 'sting', dogs and mosquitoes 'bite'.
Example Sentences
A bee stung my arm in the garden.
basic
My eyes sting when I cut onions.
basic
Her words really stung.
basic
This cut still stings when I wash my hands.
natural
I laughed it off, but his joke stung a little.
natural
Careful with that jellyfish — it can sting even after it's dead.
natural