B2verbcrime
US/stæb/
UK/stæb/
to push a sharp object, especially a knife, into someone or something
In context
The police say he stabbed the man during an argument outside a bar.
She stabbed the potato with a fork to see if it was cooked.
She stabbed the button with her finger to stop the alarm.
Words that go with stab
verb + preposition
- stab someone in the backHe stabbed his best friend in the back to get the job.
- stab with a knifeThe victim was stabbed with a kitchen knife.
- stab to deathThe man was stabbed to death in a park.
- stab a fork intoShe stabbed a fork into the steak.
verb + adverb
- stab repeatedlyThe attacker stabbed him repeatedly.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He stabbed the man on his arm.Correct: He stabbed the man in the arm.