Jab
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow
"She gave me a sharp dig in the ribs"
(2) A quick short straight punch
(3) A sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
"He warned me with a jab with his finger"
"He made a thrusting motion with his fist"
verb
(4) Poke or thrust abruptly
"He jabbed his finger into her ribs"
(5) Stab or pierce
"He jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife"
(6) Strike or punch with quick and short blows
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A quick stab or blow
- , a short straight punch (wikipedia:Jab)
- A medical injection
- Our dog was exposed to rabies, so the whole family went to a clinic to get our jabs.
- In American English, the word jab is also used when someone is bothering someone else, what is commonly known as verbal jabs. "Don't throw jabs at me" and "Quit jabbing!" are popular sayings. This may be because the verbal annoyances are not substantial attacks, and are similar to a boxing jab in that they are only annoying (not a knockout blow).
Verb
- To poke or thrust abruptly, or to make such a motion.
- To deliver a quick punch.