Definition

1. Noun:

   • A quick, sharp poke or thrust: A sudden, forceful touch made with a finger, elbow, or a pointed object.
   • A short, straight punch: In boxing or fighting, a quick, straight punch delivered with the lead hand.
   • An injection: (Informal) A hypodermic injection, especially a vaccination.

2. Verb:

   • To poke or thrust sharply: To push or stab something suddenly with a pointed object or a part of the body.
   • To punch quickly: To strike with a short, straight punch.
   • To make a sudden, abrupt gesture: To point or thrust something abruptly toward someone or something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She gave him a playful jab in the ribs with her elbow.
  • The boxer set up his knockout punch with a quick left jab.
  • I have to go get my flu jab this afternoon.

• Verb:

  • He jabbed the air with his finger to emphasize his point.
  • The fighter jabbed repeatedly to keep his opponent at a distance.
  • She jabbed the button on the elevator impatiently.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a jab at (someone/something)": (British English, informal) To make a critical remark or attempt to do something.

  • He couldn't resist having a jab at his rival's policies during the debate.
  • I've never tried painting before, but I'll have a jab at it.

• "jab and move": A boxing strategy involving throwing a quick punch and then changing position to avoid a counter-attack.

  • His success was based on the classic jab and move tactic.

Variants and Related Words

• Jabbing (noun/adj): The act of making a sharp poke or thrust; describing such an action.
  • The constant jabbing pain in my side was concerning.
• Jabber (verb): To talk rapidly, excitedly, and often unintelligibly. (Note: This is a distinct word, not a variant of 'jab', but it is sometimes confused due to similar spelling).

Synonyms

• Noun: Poke, thrust, dig, punch, injection (informal: shot).
• Verb: Poke, prod, stab, thrust, punch.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Jab at: To make a poking or thrusting motion toward something.
  • The bird jabbed at the seeds on the ground.
• Jab out: To extend or thrust something out abruptly.
  • He jabbed out his hand to stop the door from closing.

Related Idioms

• A jab in the ribs: A nudge, especially one meant to get someone's attention or as a joke.
  • He woke his friend with a jab in the ribs.
• Jab session: (Informal) A period of time dedicated to receiving vaccinations.
  • The clinic is holding a jab session for students this weekend.

Noun

1. the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow
   • she gave me a sharp dig in the ribs
2. a quick short straight punch
3. a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
   • he warned me with a jab with his finger
   • he made a thrusting motion with his fist

Verb

1. stab or pierce
   • he jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife
2. strike or punch with quick and short blows
3. poke or thrust abruptly
   • he jabbed his finger into her ribs