stabbing

American

[stab-ing] / ˈstæb ɪŋ /

adjective

penetrating; piercing.

a stabbing pain.
emotionally wounding.

a stabbing remark.
incisive or trenchant.

a stabbing, satirical phrase.

Other Word Forms

stabbingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of stabbing

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I started having a stabbing pain in my chest during morning runs, and struggled to breathe deeply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 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

Aleix Febas fired the hosts ahead before Dean Huijsen levelled for the league leaders, with Bellingham stabbing home from close range after Alvaro Rodriguez blasted Elche back in front.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

“Debatable,” he said, stabbing another piece of egg onto his fork.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023