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v. stung (stŭng), sting·ing, stings v.tr. 1. To pierce or wound painfully with a sharp-pointed structure or organ, as that of certain insects. 2. To cause to feel a sharp, smarting pain: smoke stinging our eyes. 3. To cause to suffer keenly in the mind or feelings: Those harsh words stung me. 4. To spur on or stimulate by sharp irritation: "A meaningless retort; the kind someone is stung into making out of sheer exasperation" (Paul Scott). 5. Slang To cheat or overcharge. v.intr. 1. To have, use, or wound with a sharp-pointed structure or organ: Do all bees sting? 2. To cause a sharp, smarting pain: The needle will sting a little. n. 1. The act of stinging. 2. The wound or pain caused by stinging. 3. A sharp, piercing organ or part, often ejecting a venomous secretion, as the modified ovipositor of a bee or wasp or the spine of certain fishes. 4. A hurtful quality or power: the sting of rejection. 5. A keen stimulus or incitement; a goad or spur: the sting of curiosity. 6. Slang A confidence game, especially one implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals. [Middle English stingen, from Old English stingan; see stegh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] stinging·ly adv. |
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