1 prick | Definition of prick

prick

noun
\ ˈprik How to pronounce prick (audio) \

Definition of prick

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2a : a pointed instrument or weapon
b : a sharp projecting organ or part
3 : an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: such as
a : a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow
b : a slight sharply localized discomfort the prick of a needle
4 vulgar : penis
5 slang, vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority

prick

verb
pricked; pricking; pricks

Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2 : to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse doubt began to prick him— Philip Hale
3 : to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : goad
4 : to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark
5 : to trace or outline with punctures
6 : to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth usually used with out
7 : to cause to be or stand erect a dog pricking its ears

intransitive verb

1a : to prick something or cause a pricking sensation
b : to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
2a : to urge a horse with the spur
b : to ride fast
3 : thrust
4 : to become directed upward : point
prick up one's ears
: to listen intently

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Examples of prick in a Sentence

Noun

She felt a prick as the thorn jabbed her foot. He felt the prick of the needle. She felt a prick of jealousy.

Verb

The nurse pricked my finger and squeezed out a drop of blood. The sharp shells pricked the bottoms of our feet. She was pricked by doubt.
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First Known Use of prick

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for prick

Noun

Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick

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More Definitions for prick

prick

noun

English Language Learners Definition of prick

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an act of making a small hole in something with a sharp pointed object
: a feeling of pain caused by being touched by something sharp or pointed
: a slight, sharp feeling of sadness, regret, etc.

prick

verb

English Language Learners Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a very small hole in (something) with a sharp pointed object
: to cause a sharp, painful feeling on or in (part of your body)
: to make (someone) feel guilt, shame, regret, etc.

prick

noun
\ ˈprik How to pronounce prick (audio) \

Kids Definition of prick

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an act of piercing with a small sharp point
2 : a feeling of pain that accompanies a piercing of the skin with a sharp point
3 : a sudden strong feeling a prick of conscience

prick

verb
pricked; pricking

Kids Definition of prick (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to point upward The horse pricked up its ears.
2 : to pierce slightly with a sharp point
3 : to have or to cause a feeling of or as if of being pierced with a sharp point