barbed

[bahrbd]

adjective

1. having barbs.

2. calculated to wound; cutting.

   a professor noted for his barbed criticisms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbed¹

First recorded in 1520–30; barb ¹ + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Not long ago, track spikes were little more than barbed leather socks.

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It's a medium security prison, but the thick iron gates and imposing white walls topped with barbed wire give it a more "maximum" feel.

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He said they had left behind "barbed wire, barred windows and constant fear".

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We emerge into a clearing where a 12ft high border fence appears, topped with barbed wire, equipped with sensors and cameras to detect illegal crossings.

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Mr Tardy captured a brown‑throated three‑toed sloth clinging to a barbed wire post after crossing a road.

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Related Words

• biting 
• pointed 
• stinging www.thesaurus.com