sting

//stɪŋ//

Verbs
B1

Translation

sting

Definition

Sting is a verb that describes the sharp, often sudden pain caused by an insect, plant, or animal injecting venom or a similar substance through a small puncture. It can also refer to the act of causing such pain, as when a bee or wasp uses its stinger. In a broader sense, sting can describe any sharp, burning sensation, like from a nettle or a chemical irritant. This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as feeling the sting of a harsh comment. The noun form refers to the wound or the pain itself, or the insect's venomous organ.

Example

  • A bee sting can be very painful, especially if you are allergic.

  • The jellyfish sting left a red mark on her arm that lasted for hours.

  • He felt a sharp sting on his leg after brushing against a nettle.

  • The antiseptic spray made the cut sting for a few seconds.

  • Her words had a sting that he couldn't forget for days.

  • The scorpion's sting is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

  • He tried to remove the sting from the wasp's body carefully.

  • The cold wind had a sting that made her cheeks turn red.

  • A single sting from this caterpillar can cause a severe rash.

  • The sting of betrayal was worse than any physical pain he had felt.

Synonyms

bite
prick
burn
smart
wound

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