jab
/dʤæb/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow
- she gave me a sharp dig in the ribs
- a quick short straight punch
- 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
- stab or pierce
- he jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife
- strike or punch with quick and short blows
- poke or thrust abruptly
- he jabbed his finger into her ribs