Prick has 14 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Verb
Noun
1
insulting terms of address for people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous
"The crowd booed when the coach started calling his confused quarterback a prick after missing yet another obvious play."
2
a depression scratched or carved into a surface
"The rough texture of the old wooden table was caused by deep pricks from years of knife marks."
3
obscene terms for penis
"The rude customer started shouting obscenities at the waiter, repeatedly calling him a prick during the argument."
4
the act of puncturing with a small point
"he gave the balloon a small prick"
5
A small hole or perforation, caused by piercing.
"She carefully examined the fabric to find a tiny prick in the hem that had ruined the stitching."
Verb
1
make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
"The nurse pricked my finger to get a small blood sample"
2
cause a stinging pain
"The needle pricked his skin"
3
raise
"The dog pricked up his ears"
4
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
"The coach tried to prick the team's morale by telling them they were already behind schedule."
5
cause a prickling sensation
"The cold wind blew across his skin, causing an unpleasant prickling sensation on his arms."
6
to cause a sharp emotional pain
"The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience"
7
deliver a sting to
"A bee stung my arm yesterday"
8
To pierce or puncture slightly.
"The thorny branch pricked my finger as I reached for the apple."
9
To drive a nail into (a horse's foot), so as to cause lameness.
"The blacksmith accidentally prick the mare while shoeing her, leaving her lame for several days."
Example Sentences
"he gave the balloon a small prick"
noun
"The nurse pricked my finger to get a small blood sample"
verb
"The needle pricked his skin"
verb
"The dog pricked up his ears"
verb
"The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience"
verb
"A bee stung my arm yesterday"
verb
Related Terms
Show all 49 terms ↓
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
Origin
The word "prick" comes from Old English, where it originally meant a sharp point or a small mark. Its ultimate roots are uncertain but may trace back to an ancient term meaning to scrape or scratch.