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urticate

[ ur-ti-keyt ]
/ ˈɜr tɪˌkeɪt /
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verb (used with object), ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.
to sting with or as if with nettles.
to whip with or as if with nettles, especially so as to produce a stinging sensation; flog; lash.
verb (used without object), ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.
to sting in the manner of a nettle.
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Origin of urticate

1835–45; <Medieval Latin urtīcātus (past participle of urtīcāre to sting), equivalent to Latin urtīc(a) nettle + -ātus-ate1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for urticate

urticate
/ (ˈɜːtɪˌkeɪt) /

adjective
Also: urticant (ˈɜːtɪkənt) characterized by the presence of weals
verb
to perform urtication

Word Origin for urticate

C19: from Medieval Latin urtīcāre to sting, from Latin urtīca a nettle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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