Word Direct Answers

What does "stab" mean?

Stab: Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon. None shall dare With shortened sword to stab in closer war. Dryden.
  2. 3.To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs. Shak. To stab at, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.
  3. 4.The thrust of a pointed weapon.
  4. 5.A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab an assassin. Shak.
  5. 6.Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.

Sources