\ ˈprik
\
\
Definition of prick
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2a
: a pointed instrument or weapon
b
: a sharp projecting organ or part
a
: a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow
b
: a slight sharply localized discomfort
the prick of a needle
5
slang, vulgar
: a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority
prick
verb
pricked; pricking; pricks
Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)
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
1a
: to prick something or cause a pricking sensation
b
: to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
2a
: 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
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Examples of prick in a Sentence
Noun
She felt a prick as the thorn jabbed her foot.
He felt the prick of the needle.
She felt a prick of jealousy.
Verb
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Prick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prick. Accessed 14 Jun. 2021.
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More Definitions for prick
prick
noun
English Language Learners Definition of prick
(Entry 1 of 2)
: an act of making a small hole in something with a sharp pointed object
: a feeling of pain caused by being touched by something sharp or pointed
: a slight, sharp feeling of sadness, regret, etc.
prick
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)
: 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.
See the full definition for prick in the English Language Learners Dictionary
prick
noun
\ ˈprik
\
\
Kids Definition of prick
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
prick
verb
pricked; pricking
Kids Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)
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
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Time Traveler for prick
The first known use of prick was before the 12th century
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