Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

stabbing

American  
[stab-ing] / ˈstæb ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. penetrating; piercing.

    a stabbing pain.

  2. emotionally wounding.

    a stabbing remark.

  3. incisive or trenchant.

    a stabbing, satirical phrase.

Other Word Forms

  • stabbingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of stabbing

First recorded in 1590–1600; stab + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eight Australians who stepped in to protect strangers during the deadly Bondi Junction stabbing will be recognised for their bravery.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

He was doing chin-ups during a workout when he experienced a new kind of stabbing pain in his hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

I started having a stabbing pain in my chest during morning runs, and struggled to breathe deeply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Aleix Febas fired the hosts ahead before Dean Huijsen levelled for the league leaders, with Bellingham stabbing home from close range after Alvaro Rodriguez blasted Elche back in front.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

When I’d remember that the turkey didn’t belong to my family because I didn’t have a family I’d feel that stabbing pain in my chest again and I’d start to cry.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.