noun
prick
prihk
noun
1
A small puncture or the sharp sensation caused by one.
"She felt the prick of the needle as the nurse drew blood."
2
(vulgar, informal) An unpleasant, rude, or annoying person.
"He was being a total prick to the waiter for no reason."
verb
1
To pierce something slightly with a sharp point.
"She pricked her finger while sewing the hem."
How to Use Prick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small puncture (noun/verb), or a rude insult for an unpleasant person.
When to use it
The insult sense is vulgar and best avoided in polite or professional contexts.
Common pairings
prick your finger
a prick of conscience
Word Forms
pricked past tense, pricks plural, pricks singular
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Etymology
From Old English prica, "a sharp point or tiny mark," of Germanic origin.