Sting - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sting is a sharp pain caused by an insect, plant, or other object piercing the skin. It can also refer to a clever trick or deception meant to catch someone off guard.
Definition:
A sharp pain caused by an insect or plant, or a clever trick to catch someone.
Synonyms:
prick, bite, smart, burn
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
soothe, comfort
Common Collocations:
bee sting, sting operation, sharp sting, painful sting
Derivatives:
stinger, stinging, stung
Usage Tips:
Use "sting" for physical pain from insects or metaphorical pain from betrayal or tricks.
Common Phrases:
sting in the tail, take the sting out of something, a sting operation
Etymology:
Old English "stingan," meaning to pierce or stab; related to Old Norse "stinga."
Examples:
- 1. The bee left a painful sting on her arm.
- 2. He felt the sting of betrayal after his friend lied to him.
- 3. The police set up a sting to catch the thieves.
- 4. A jellyfish’s sting can be very dangerous if not treated quickly.