STAB, verb transitive [This word contains the elements, and is probably from the primary sense, of the Latin , to point or prick, and a multitude of others in many languages. The radical sense is to thrust; but I know not to what oriental roots they are allied.]

1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a dagger or a spear; to stab fish or eels.

2. To wound mischievously or mortally; to kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument.

3. To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab reputation.

STAB, verb intransitive

1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon.

None shall dare with shortend sword to stab in closer war.

2. To give a mortal wound.

He speaks poniards, and every word stabs.

To stab at, to offer a stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.

STAB, noun

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. An injury given in the dark; a sly mischief; as a stab given to character.