What does pricked mean?
“Pricked” is the past tense and past participle of “prick,” meaning to pierce something with a sharp point or to cause a small, stinging sensation. It commonly describes an injury from a thorn, insect, needle, or similar object: a rose thorn pricked her finger. The word can also describe a sharp or prickling feeling caused by cold, rough fabric, or an insect. In figurative contexts, being pricked can mean being affected by a troubling thought, emotion, or sensation, as in “pricked by guilt.” The word appears in established expressions such as “pricked ears,” where it conveys alertness or keen attention. As a past-tense form, it is especially common in narrative and descriptive writing.
verbTo pierce or puncture something with a sharp point. In figurative use, it can mean to cause a sharp or prickling sensation, or to affect someone emotionally or physically.
- To pierce or puncture with a sharp point.
- To cause a sharp, stinging, or prickling sensation.
- To make someone feel emotionally or physically unsettled or stimulated.
"A bee pricked her finger as she reached into the hive."
"The thorn pricked his arm as he pushed through the hedge."
"The rough fabric pricked my skin, making me adjust my coat."
A tiny prick can leave a lasting mark, which is why “pricked” can describe both a physical wound and a sudden sharp feeling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pricked come from?
The word comes from the Old English word “prician,” meaning to prick or pierce, and “pricc” for a sharp point or sting. The modern verb “prick” developed from these forms and is related to words such as “prickle” and “prickly,” which preserve the sense of a sharp point or stinging sensation.
Related word forms
How pricked is actually used
Common in both British and US English. It is usually neutral in tone, though in expressions such as “pricked ears” it can suggest alertness or eager attention.
Easily confused with pricked
“Prick” is the base verb or noun, while “pricked” is its past tense and past participle form.
“Prick” means to pierce with a sharp point, whereas “prickle” usually means to feel or cause a slight sharp or tingling sensation.