Stab — Defs

01 v. t. To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; …

imp. & p. p. Stabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Stabbing

1.
To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.
2.
Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.

02 v. i. To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.

1.
To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.
“None shall dare With shortened sword to stab in closer war.” — Dryden.
2.
To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.
“She speaks poniards, and every word stabs.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

To stab at — to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.

03 n. The thrust of a pointed weapon.

1.
The thrust of a pointed weapon.
2.
A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin.
3.
Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.