Sting

Noun

Definition: A sharp pointed organ or part typically found in insects and some animals, used for piercing and injecting venom or a painful substance.

Definition: A wound or injury caused by the penetration of a sharp object or a venomous animal.

Definition: A sudden and intense feeling or sensation, often of pain or discomfort.

Synonyms: Prick, Puncture, Bite, Jab

Antonyms: Soothe, Comfort, Relieve

Examples:

The bee's sting caused severe pain and swelling.
She accidentally stepped on a stingray's sting and had to seek immediate medical attention.

Mnemonics:

Think of the sharp pain caused by an insect sting.
Visualize the bee's stinger piercing the skin.

Verb

Definition: To cause a sharp, piercing pain or discomfort.

Definition: To act deceitfully or maliciously in order to trick or harm someone.

Synonyms: Prickle, Jab, Smart

Antonyms: Soothe, Comfort, Relieve

Examples:

The icy wind stung her face as she walked outside.
The betrayal of her best friend's words stung her deeply.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a bee stinging and causing pain.
Associate the feeling of being stung with a sense of betrayal or hurt.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'stingan', of Germanic origin; related to German 'stechen'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Old English and has retained its meaning throughout history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Feel the sting"

Explanation:

To experience the negative consequences or effects of something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Sting always refers to the pain caused by an insect.

Explanation:

While insects commonly have stings, the word 'sting' can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or mental pain.