prick

/prik/
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prick

The nurse pricks the patient's finger to draw a small blood sample.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A small, sharp puncture or the act of making one: A prick is a tiny hole made by a sharp point, or the action of creating such a hole.
    • A sharp, stinging pain: A prick can refer to a sudden, brief feeling of pain, often caused by a sharp object.
    • A pointed object or instrument: A prick can be a tool or object with a sharp point, like a goad or a thorn.
    • (Vulgar slang) Penis: In vulgar slang, "prick" is an obscene term for the penis.
    • (Offensive slang) A contemptible or stupid person: Used as a strong insult for someone considered irritating, foolish, or mean.

  2. Verb:

    • To make a small hole with a sharp point: To prick is to puncture or pierce something lightly with a sharp object.
    • To cause a sharp, stinging pain: To prick is to cause a sudden, brief physical pain, as if from a needle.
    • To cause a sharp emotional pain or pang: To prick can mean to stimulate a feeling of guilt, remorse, or emotional discomfort.
    • To raise or point upward: To prick, especially of an animal's ears, means to raise them to listen attentively.
Examples

  • Noun:

    • She felt a sharp prick when the nurse took a blood sample.
    • He's such a prick; he never thinks about anyone else. (Offensive slang)
    • The prick of the thorn made her yelp.

  • Verb:

    • Be careful not to prick your finger on the sewing needle.
    • Her conscience pricked her after she told the lie.
    • The dog pricked up its ears at the strange sound.
Advanced Usage

  • "to prick (up) one's ears": To suddenly begin listening carefully because of interest or alarm.

    • The students pricked up their ears when the teacher mentioned there would be no homework.

  • "to prick the bubble of something": To destroy an illusion or reveal that something is not as good or important as it seemed.

    • The harsh review pricked the bubble of the artist's early success.
Variants and Related Words
  • Prickle (n/verb): A small, sharp point or spine (like on a cactus); to cause a tingling or stinging sensation.
    • The cactus is covered in prickles.
  • Prickly (adj): Covered in prickles; easily irritated or offended.
    • He's in a prickly mood today.
  • Pricking (n/gerund): The sensation or act of being pricked.
    • She felt a constant pricking in her thumb.
Synonyms
  • Noun (pain/puncture): Puncture, sting, jab.
  • Noun (person - offensive): Jerk, idiot, cretin.
  • Verb (pierce): Pierce, puncture, jab, sting.
  • Verb (stimulate emotion): Sting, pang, trouble.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Prick out (Horticulture): To transplant seedlings into individual pots.
    • Once the seedlings have two leaves, prick them out carefully.
Related Idioms
  • Kick against the pricks: To resist authority or a situation in a way that only causes harm to oneself.
    • Refusing to follow the new rules is just kicking against the pricks.
prick

The nurse pricks the patient's finger to draw a small blood sample.

Noun
  1. the act of puncturing with a small point
    • he gave the balloon a small prick
  2. obscene terms for penis
  3. a depression scratched or carved into a surface
  4. insulting terms of address for people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous
Verb
  1. deliver a sting to
    • A bee stung my arm yesterday
  2. to cause a sharp emotional pain
    • The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience
  3. cause a prickling sensation
  4. stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
  5. raise
    • The dog pricked up his ears
  6. cause a stinging pain
    • The needle pricked his skin
  7. make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
    • The nurse pricked my finger to get a small blood sample

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