sting
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1sting
verb \ˈstiŋ\stung \ˈstəŋ\ sting·ing \ˈstiŋ-iŋ\
Definition of STING
transitive verb
1
: to prick painfully: as a : to pierce or wound with a poisonous or irritating process b : to affect with sharp quick pain or smart <hail stung their faces>
2
: to cause to suffer acutely <stung with remorse>
3
: overcharge, cheat
intransitive verb
1
: to wound one with or as if with a sting
2
: to feel a keen burning pain or smart; also : to cause such pain
— sting·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
See Examples of STING
- I got stung by a bee.
- The jellyfish stung the swimmer.
- The bees will sting if you bother them.
- The iodine will sting for a few minutes.
- The cold rain stung my eyes.
- The smoke made our eyes sting.
- She was stung by their harsh criticism.
Origin of STING
Middle English, from Old English stingan; akin to Old Norse stinga to sting and probably to Greek stachys spike of grain, stochos target, aim
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to STING
- Synonyms
- gouge, soak, overcharge, surcharge
- Antonyms
- undercharge
2sting
nounDefinition of STING
1
2
: stinger 2
3
: a sharp or stinging element, force, or quality
4
: an elaborate confidence game; specifically : such a game worked by undercover police in order to trap criminals
Examples of STING
- When you get the shot, you'll feel a little sting.
- His arm was covered with bee stings.
- They were caught in a drug sting.
- a sting operation by police
First Known Use of STING
before 12th century
Related to STING
Learn More About STING
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