C1verb 2K

Stab

🇬🇧 UK /["/stæb/","/stæbz/","/stæbd/","/ˈstæbɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/stæb/","/stæbz/","/stæbd/","/ˈstæbɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Stab

to push a sharp, pointed object, especially a knife, into somebody, killing or injuring them

In simple words: to push a sharp object into something or someone

Stab in a sentence

• He tried to stab the attacker with a knife to defend himself.
• She gave him a sharp stab of pain after the bad news.
• The chef stabbed the meat repeatedly to let the marinade soak in.
• During the argument, he felt a stab of jealousy when she talked about her ex.
• The gardener used a small tool to stab the soil before planting seeds.
• Suddenly, he took a stab at guessing the answer despite having no clues.
• She made a quick stab in the dark to find the light switch.

How to use Stab

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. In a literal sense, it often refers to violence or attack. In a figurative sense, it can describe emotional pain (e.g., 'stab of envy'). Avoid using in light-hearted contexts.

Grammar pattern

stab + object

Memory hint

Think of a sharp knife stabbing into a piece of meat.

Related words

Collocations with Stab

• repeatedly
• fatally
• accidentally
• threaten to
• try to
• at
• in
• with
• be found stabbed
• stab somebody to death

Synonyms for Stab

• jab, prod

Opposites of Stab

• heal
• treat
• protect

Common mistakes with Stab

• 'Stab' used without an object (e.g., saying 'He stabbed' instead of 'He stabbed him').
• Confusing 'stab' with 'slit' (where 'slit' typically refers to a more controlled action).
• Incorrectly using in a non-violent context when the meaning is intended to be light-hearted.

Frequently asked questions about Stab

What does Stab mean?

to push a sharp object into something or someone

What is the definition of Stab?

to push a sharp, pointed object, especially a knife, into somebody, killing or injuring them

How do you use Stab in a sentence?

He tried to stab the attacker with a knife to defend himself.

Can you give another example of Stab?

She gave him a sharp stab of pain after the bad news.

What are synonyms for Stab?

Common alternatives include jab, prod.

What is the opposite of Stab?

Opposite meanings include heal, treat, protect.

What words go with Stab?

It commonly pairs with repeatedly, fatally, accidentally, threaten to, try to, at, in, with, be found stabbed, stab somebody to death.

What are common mistakes when using Stab?

'Stab' used without an object (e.g., saying 'He stabbed' instead of 'He stabbed him'). Confusing 'stab' with 'slit' (where 'slit' typically refers to a more controlled action). Incorrectly using in a non-violent context when the meaning is intended to be light-hearted.

How do you pronounce Stab?

US: /["/stæb/","/stæbz/","/stæbd/","/ˈstæbɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/stæb/","/stæbz/","/stæbd/","/ˈstæbɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Stab?

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. In a literal sense, it often refers to violence or attack. In a figurative sense, it can describe emotional pain (e.g., 'stab of envy'). Avoid using in light-hearted contexts.

What CEFR level is Stab?

"Stab" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.