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 students are upset with M, her colleagues say, while stabbing her in the back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Esan had made unsuccessful attempts to join the Army in the years before the stabbing, the court was told.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

He was found near USC, around 15 miles from the scene of the stabbing, the source said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

Taylor Swift broke down in tears after meeting survivors and families of the victims of the Southport stabbing attack, backstage footage from her Eras tour reveals.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

The idea of subsisting on greenery alone — of prolonging that full-yet-empty stabbing sensation in my stomach — was totally unappealing, but the leaves would keep me alive.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer