What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

What is the difference between pierce and stab?

pierce | stab |

In transitive terms the difference between pierce and stab

is that pierce is to break or interrupt abruptly while stab is to thrust in a stabbing motion.

As a proper noun Pierce

is a given name derived from Ancient Greek, medieval variant of Piers. Modern usage may also derive from the surname.

As a noun stab is

an act of stabbing or thrusting with an object.

pierce

English

Verb

  • to puncture; to break through
  • The diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash.
    to pierce''' the enemy's line; a shot '''pierced the ship
  • * Dryden
  • I pierce her tender side.
  • to create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelry
  • Can you believe he pierced his tongue?
  • to break or interrupt abruptly
  • A scream pierced the darkness.
  • (figurative) To penetrate; to affect deeply.
  • to pierce a mystery
  • * Alexander Pope
  • pierced with grief
  • * Shakespeare
  • Can no prayers pierce thee?

    Derived terms

    * piercing

    Descendants

    * Japanese:

    Anagrams

    *

    stab

    English

    (wikipedia stab)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An act of stabbing or thrusting with an object.
  • A wound made by stabbing.
  • Pain inflicted on a person's feelings.
  • (informal) An attempt.
  • I'll give this thankless task a stab .
  • Criticism.
  • (music) A single staccato chord that adds dramatic impact to a composition.
  • a horn stab

    Derived terms

    * have a stab at, take a stab at * stabbing * stabby * stab vest * stab in the dark * stab in the back

    Verb

    (stabb)
  • To pierce or to wound (somebody) with a pointed tool or weapon, especially a knife or dagger.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1905, author=
  • , title= , chapter=1 citation , passage=“There the cause of death was soon ascertained?; the victim of this daring outrage had been stabbed to death from ear to ear with a long, sharp instrument, in shape like an antique stiletto, which […] was subsequently found under the cushions of the hansom. […]”}}
  • To thrust in a stabbing motion.
  • To recklessly hit with the tip of a pointed object, such as a weapon or finger .
  • * (John Dryden)
  • None shall dare / With shortened sword to stab in closer war.
  • To cause a sharp, painful sensation .
  • (figurative) To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander.
  • Derived terms

    * stabber