jab
16
3.0
- noun
- /dʒæb/
:
toque
- He gave me a quick jab in the ribs to get my attention.
Examples
-
With a quick jab of her finger, she pointed out the problem.
-
His comment was meant as a friendly jab between old friends.
Fiction book (1993) -
It's like a verbal jab in the ribs.
Academic text (2010) -
As it was, he felt some sharp jabs inside his left chest.
Fiction book (1995) -
And your constant little jabs are getting on my last nerve.
-
Now and again, the man in the suit would punctuate his words with a jab of a pudgy finger.
Fiction book (1995) -
George gave him an elbow jab, and Mike pretended to double over, jabbing back.
Fiction book (1999) -
The sound pummeled me, every thump of the bass a jab to the body.
Fiction book (1997) -
The boxer delivered a powerful jab that stunned his opponent.
Synonyms
12
4.8
A small mark made on a surface by a hit or push
8
2.0
A light quick touch with your hand or a cloth
4
2.5
A quick, sharp push with a finger or pointed object
1
3.6
A fast, sharp punch in boxing that hits an opponent quickly
A light, playful poke to show friendship or affection
A quick light slap given in play
Antonyms
Compounds
How Sharp
Surface Forms
Etymology
Jab as a quick poke comes from the same short, sharp sound that matches the action. So a jab is a sudden, sharp push or poke.