Prick
/prɪk/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo pierce with a sharp point; to puncture.
/prɪk/
To pierce or puncture with something pointed.
She pricked her finger on a thorn.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing with a pin. When you *prick* something, you poke it gently. Like, 'Be careful, don't *prick* your finger on the rose thorns!'
👶 For kids: To poke something with a sharp point, like a needle.
More Examples
He pricked the balloon with a pin, and it popped.
The doctor pricked the patient's arm to draw blood.
How It's Used
"He pricked out the seedlings and replanted them."
"The nurse pricked his finger to draw blood for the test."
A small, sharp object that can pierce or puncture.
/prɪk/
A sharp pointed object.
A prick of conscience bothered him.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny, sharp thing, like a thorn. That's a *prick*. If you get poked with a *prick*, it might hurt a little.
👶 For kids: A little sharp thing, like a needle point.
More Examples
The sharp prick of the needle made him wince.
He felt a prick on his finger from the rose's thorn.
How It's Used
"He felt a sudden prick of pain."
Vulgar slang for penis.
/prɪk/
💡 Simply: This is a bad word for a boy's body part. Don't use it!
👶 For kids: A rude word for a boy's private parts.
How It's Used
"The word is considered offensive and vulgar."
An unpleasant or irritating person.
/prɪk/
A contemptible or annoying person.
He acted like a real prick, making fun of everyone.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people will use this word to describe someone who's being really annoying or mean. Like, 'That guy at the party was being a total *prick*!'
👶 For kids: A mean or annoying person.
More Examples
She thought he was a prick for ignoring her.
I can't stand him, he's such a prick.
How It's Used
"Don't be such a prick!"
Idioms & expressions
prick up your ears
To become alert and attentive.
"The dog pricked up its ears at the sound of the treat bag opening."
From Old English *pricca* or *prycca*, from Proto-Germanic *prikkoną*, related to *prickan* (to pierce, sting).
Historically, 'prick' has been used in various contexts, ranging from literal piercings to figurative meanings related to irritation or sharpness. It has also appeared as a vulgar term since at least the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of a needle *pricking* your skin to remember the action.
Word Origin
"to pierce, sting"