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| prick [ prik ] |
verb (past and past participle pricked, present participle prick·ing, 3rd person present singular pricks) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb pierce small hole in something: to puncture the surface of something, especially the skin, by piercing it lightly with something sharp and finely pointed
  pricked her finger on a cactus needle
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2. transitive and intransitive verb hurt in stinging way: to feel a slight stinging sensation, or cause something such as the eyes or the skin to hurt in this way
felt his eyes prick with tears
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3. transitive verb suddenly cause discomfort to somebody: to make somebody feel a sudden strong unease, e.g. because of guilt or shame
His conscience began to prick him.
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4. transitive verb outline something using tiny holes: to make a number of small holes in or through the surface of a board, piece of card, or fabric so as to form the outline of something
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5. transitive and intransitive verb raise ears: to cause an animal's ears to stick up straight on hearing something, or stick up straight for this reason
The dog pricked its ears at the sound of its master's voice.
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6. transitive verb push somebody into activity: to force or encourage somebody to start or continue with greater speed an activity or course of action
If only we could prick him into doing something.
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7. transitive verb make animal move faster: to urge an animal, especially a horse, to gallop or move more quickly by digging the spurs or heels into its flank
(
archaic or literary
)
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noun (plural pricks) |
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| Definition: |
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1. quick sharp pain: a sudden twinge of pain such as that caused by a fine point being pushed into the skin
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2. small puncture: a small puncture, hole, or indented mark, or an act of piercing that causes such a puncture
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3. taboo term: a highly offensive term for a penis
(
taboo
)
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4. taboo term: a highly offensive term for a man regarded as inadequate or unpleasant
(
taboo
)
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5. painful thought: a sudden unpleasant thought or feeling, often one related to a past action or event
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6. pointed implement: a pointed implement or weapon, e.g. a goad
(
archaic
)
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| [ Old English prica< W Germanic] |
