Sting

English Meaning

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal sting of a scorpion. The sting of a bee or wasp is a modified ovipositor. The caudal sting, or spine, of a sting ray is a modified dorsal fin ray. The term is sometimes applied to the fang of a serpent. See Illust. of Scorpion.

1. To pierce or wound painfully with or as if with a sharp-pointed structure or organ, as that of certain insects.
2. To cause to feel a sharp, smarting pain by or as if by pricking with a sharp point: smoke stinging our eyes.
3. To cause to suffer keenly in the mind or feelings: Those harsh words stung me bitterly.
4. To spur on by or as if by sharp irritation.
5. Slang To cheat or overcharge.
6. To have, use, or wound with or as if with a sharp-pointed structure or organ, as that of certain insects.
7. To cause or feel a sharp, smarting pain.
8. The act of stinging.
9. The wound or pain caused by or as if by stinging.
10. 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.
11. A stinging power, quality, or capacity.
12. A keen stimulus or incitement; a goad or spur: the sting of curiosity.
13. Slang A complicated confidence game planned and executed with great care, especially an operation organized and implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals.