prick
Third Person
pricks
Present Participle
pricking
Past Tense
pricked
Past Participle
pricked
1
to create a small hole using a needle, thorn, or a similar sharp object
transitive
- She pricked her finger with a needle while sewing.
- In gardening, thorns can prick your skin if you're not careful.
- The nurse pricked the patient's arm to draw a blood sample.
- To release air, he pricked the balloon with a pin.
- The chef pricked the pastry with a fork before baking to prevent it from puffing up.
Synonyms:
2
to provoke with the intention of causing a reaction or response
- The looming deadline pricked him to finally start working on his long-delayed project.
- Her constant reminders pricked him to address the issues in their relationship.
- The coach pricked the team to push themselves harder during training sessions.
- The teacher's encouragement pricked the students to pursue their goals with more determination.
Synonyms:
3
(of an animal) to make its ears stand upright or become erect
transitive
- The cat pricked its ears at the sound of a mouse.
- The horse pricked its ears when it heard its owner approaching.
- The dog pricked its ears at the sound of a distant bark.
- As the squirrel approached, the rabbit pricked its ears, ready to dart away at any sign of danger.
4
to provoke a sense of mental or emotional discomfort
transitive
- The realization of her mistake pricked her with regret.
- The harsh words he spoke pricked her conscience, reminding her of her past mistakes.
- The loneliness and isolation pricked her, resulting in depression.
- The weight of unresolved conflicts and regrets pricked him, tormenting him day and night.
- The failure of his lifelong dream pricked him, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
5
to feel a sharp, stinging pain
- As she reached for the rose, she suddenly felt her finger prick.
- With every step, the broken glass on the ground caused her feet to prick painfully.
- My fingers prick when they're exposed to extreme cold.
Synonyms: