prick

²prick

verb

Definition of PRICK

transitive verb

1

: to pierce slightly with a sharp point

2

: to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse <doubt began to prick him — Philip Hale>

3

: to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : goad

4

: to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark

5

: to trace or outline with punctures

6

: to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth —usually used with out

7

: to cause to be or stand erect <a dog pricking its ears>

intransitive verb

1

a : to prick something or cause a pricking sensation b : to feel discomfort as if from being pricked

2

a : to urge a horse with the spur b : to ride fast

3

: thrust

4

: to become directed upward : point

— prick up one's ears

: to listen intently

Examples of PRICK

1. The nurse pricked my finger and squeezed out a drop of blood.
2. The sharp shells pricked the bottoms of our feet.
3. She was pricked by doubt.

First Known Use of PRICK

before 12th century