stick

³stick

verb

stuck\ˈstək\stick·ing

Definition of STICK

transitive verb

1

a : to pierce with something pointed : stab b : to kill by piercing

2

: to push or thrust so as or as if to pierce

3

a : to fasten by thrusting in b : impale c : push, thrust

4

: to put or set in a specified place or position

5

: to furnish with things fastened on by or as if by piercing

6

: to attach by or as if by causing to adhere to a surface

7

a : to compel to pay especially by trickery <got stuck with the bar bill> b : overcharge

8

a : to halt the movement or action of b : baffle, stump

9

a : cheat, defraud b : to saddle with something disadvantageous or disagreeable <is still stuck with that lousy car>

10

: to execute (a landing) flawlessly in gymnastics

intransitive verb

1

: to hold to something firmly by or as if by adhesion: a : to become fixed in place by means of a pointed end b : to become fast by or as if by miring or by gluing or plastering <stuck in the mud>

2

a : to remain in a place, situation, or environment b : to hold fast or adhere resolutely : cling <she stuck to her story> c : to remain effective d : to keep close in a chase or competition

3

: to become blocked, wedged, or jammed

4

a : balk, scruple b : to find oneself baffled c : to be unable to proceed

5

: project, protrude

— stick in one's craw

: to irritate, nag at, or obsess one

— stick it to

: to treat harshly or unfairly

— stick one's neck out

: to make oneself vulnerable by taking a risk

— stick to one's guns

: to maintain one's position especially in face of opposition

— stuck on

: infatuated with

Origin of STICK

Middle English stikken, from Old English stician; akin to Old High German sticken to prick, Latin instigare to urge on, goad, Greek stizein to tattoo

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of STICK

stick, adhere, cohere, cling, cleave mean to become closely attached. stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together <couldn't get the label to stick>. adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together <antibodies adhering to a virus>. cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass <eggs will make the mixture cohere>. cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils <clinging to a capsized boat>. cleave stresses strength of attachment <the wet shirt cleaved to his back>.