prick

noun \ ˈprik \

Definition of prick

1 :a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument

2 a :a pointed instrument or weapon

b :a sharp projecting organ or part

3 :an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: such as

a :a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow

b :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

See prick defined for English-language learners

See prick defined for kids

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

prick Synonyms

Synonyms

perforation, pinhole, pinprick, punch, puncture, stab

Related Words

gouge, groove, hollow; break, cut, gash, incision, laceration, notch, rent, rip, rupture, slash, slit, tear

Near Antonyms

comfort, ease, easiness

prick

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

See prick defined for English-language learners

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.

PRICK Defined for English Language Learners

prick

verb

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

prick

noun \ ˈprik \

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

prick

verb

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

prick

Definition of prick

Explore M-W

Examples of prick in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of prick

prick Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

prick

Definition of prick

Examples of prick in a Sentence

Phrases Related to PRICK

Related Phrases

PRICK Defined for English Language Learners

prick

Definition of prick for English Language Learners

PRICK Defined for Kids

prick

Definition of prick for Students

prick

Definition of prick for Students

Learn More about prick

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

I'll Have the Us(ual)

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066