Definition

1. Noun:
   • A knife used as a weapon: A "shiv" is a slang term for a homemade or improvised knife, typically one that is used as a weapon, often in a prison context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The inmate was caught with a sharpened toothbrush shiv.
  • He fashioned a shiv from a piece of metal he found in the workshop.

Advanced Usage

• "to shiv (someone)": Used as a verb, meaning to stab someone with a shiv.
  • The gang member threatened to shiv the informant.

Variants and Related Words

• Shank (noun): Another slang term with a very similar meaning to "shiv," referring to an improvised stabbing weapon.
  • He was carrying a shank made from a filed-down spoon.

Synonyms

• Knife: A general term for a cutting instrument.
• Blade: A term for the sharp part of a knife or weapon.
• Dirk: A type of long dagger.
• Stiletto: A short dagger with a slender, tapered blade.

Related Phrases

• "to get shivved": To be stabbed with a shiv.
  • He was afraid he would get shivved in the yard.

Noun

1. a knife used as a weapon