stabbing

American  

[stab-ing] / ˈstæb ɪŋ /

adjective

1. penetrating; piercing.

   a stabbing pain.

2. emotionally wounding.

   a stabbing remark.

3. incisive or trenchant.

   a stabbing, satirical phrase.

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Other Word Forms

• stabbingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of stabbing

First recorded in 1590–1600; stab + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The Malicious Shooting or Stabbing Act of 1803 outlawed the “malicious using of means to procure the miscarriage of women,” and abortion after “quickening” — or fetal movement — was considered a capital offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2020

A Dead Father Remembered by Many, and a Stabbing Suspect Known to Few A woman named Amy, 37, stood with her 3-year-old daughter parked on her hip on East Fifth Street in Alphabet City.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2012

Stabbing prey Preening Digging Lawmakers in New York are about to debate a bill that would crack down on pedestrians doing what as they cross the street?

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2011

Stabbing the air with one of the first copies, Editor Frank Conniff exclaimed with proud surprise: "This paper actually came out."

From Time Magazine Archive

Around the fire sat the council of seven chiefs who governed the Sauk and Fox tribes, including Jumping Fish, Broth and Little Stabbing Chief.

From Shaman by Shea, Robert