Definition of prick
1 : a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2a : a pointed instrument or weaponb : a sharp projecting organ or part
3 : an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: such asa : a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrowb : a slight sharply localized discomfort the prick of a needle
4 vulgar : penis
5 slang, vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority
Explore M-W
Examples of prick in a Sentence
She felt a prick as the thorn jabbed her foot.
He felt the prick of the needle.
She felt a prick of jealousy.
Origin and Etymology of prick
Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick
First Known Use: before 12th century
prick
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
1a : to prick something or cause a pricking sensationb : to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
prick up one's ears
Examples of prick in a Sentence
The nurse pricked my finger and squeezed out a drop of blood.
The sharp shells pricked the bottoms of our feet.
She was pricked by doubt.
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of prick
before 12th century
PRICK Defined for English Language Learners
prick
Definition of prick for English Language Learners
-
: to make a very small hole in (something) with a sharp pointed object
-
: to cause a sharp, painful feeling on or in (part of your body)
-
: to make (someone) feel guilt, shame, regret, etc.
PRICK Defined for Kids
Definition of prick for Students
1 : an act of piercing with a small sharp point
2 : a feeling of pain that accompanies a piercing of the skin with a sharp point
3 : a sudden strong feeling a prick of conscience
Definition of prick for Students
pricked
;pricking
1 : to point upward The horse pricked up its ears.
2 : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
3 : to have or to cause a feeling of or as if of being pierced with a sharp point
Learn More about prick
-
See words that rhyme with prick Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prick Spanish Central: Translation of prick
Writing? Check your grammar now!