urticate

[ ur-ti-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.

1. to sting with or as if with nettles.
2. to whip with or as if with nettles, especially so as to produce a stinging sensation; flog; lash.

verb (used without object)

, ur·ti·cat·ed, ur·ti·cat·ing.

1. to sting in the manner of a nettle.

urticate

/ ˈɜːtɪˌkeɪt /

adjective

1. Alsourticantˈɜːtɪkənt characterized by the presence of weals

verb

1. to perform urtication

Word History and Origins

Origin of urticate¹

1835–45; < Medieval Latin urtīcātus (past participle of urtīcāre to sting), equivalent to Latin urtīc ( a ) nettle + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of urticate¹

C19: from Medieval Latin urtīcāre to sting, from Latin urtīca a nettle