stab

STAB, verb transitive [This word contains the elements, and is probably from the primary sense, of the Latin , to point or prick, and a multitude of others in many languages. The radical sense is to thrust; but I know not to what oriental roots they are allied.] 1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a dagger or a spear; to stab fish or eels. 2. To wound mischievously or mortally; to kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument. 3. To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab reputation. STAB, verb intransitive 1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon. None shall dare with shortend sword to stab in closer war. 2. To give a mortal wound. He speaks poniards, and every word stabs. To stab at, to offer a stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at. STAB, noun 1. The thrust of a pointed weapon. 2. A wound with a sharp pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin. 3. An injury given in the dark; a sly mischief; as a stab given to character.