Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Stab?

\Stab\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Stabbed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Stabbing}.] [Cf. OD. staven to fix, fasten, fr. stave, staff, a staff, rod; akin to G. stab a staff, stick, E. staff; also Gael. stob to stab, as n., a stake, a stub. Cf. {Staff}.] 1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person. 2. Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.
\Stab\, v. i. 1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon. None shall dare With shortened sword to stab in closer war. --Dryden. 2. To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs. --Shak. {To stab at}, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.
\Stab\, n. 1. The thrust of a pointed weapon. 2. A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab an assassin. --Shak. 3. Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.