What does stabbed mean?
Stabbed is the past tense and past participle of stab, a verb meaning to pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon or sharp object. In everyday language, it can also describe a quick thrusting movement, as when someone stabs a fork into food, or sharp criticism directed at another person. The expression “stabbed in the back” has a distinct figurative meaning: to be betrayed, deceived, or undermined by someone on whom one had relied. Although the physical sense can appear in reports of violence, the word is also commonly used in less serious contexts, including “stab at” an activity to make a brief or unsuccessful attempt. Its figurative associations make it especially effective when describing sudden cruelty, betrayal, or vigorous action.
To pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon or sharp object; also, to make a sudden thrusting movement.
"The knife slipped, and he stabbed his hand."
The physical sense is often used in reports of violence, while the movement sense is common in descriptions of eating or making a quick, forceful thrust.
To criticize or mock someone sharply, or to attempt something quickly and directly.
"His comments seemed intended to stab at her confidence."
The critical sense is informal, while “stab at” can be used in neutral contexts to describe repeated brief attempts.
To stab someone in the back means to betray or maliciously undermine them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stabbed come from?
The headword is the past tense and past participle of stab. The verb's precise origin is uncertain, although it is traditionally connected with Old English and continental European forms associated with a pointed weapon or thrusting movement. Its figurative use for sharp criticism developed from the idea of making a direct, pointed verbal attack.
Related word forms
How stabbed is actually used
The verb is relatively formal when describing physical violence. The figurative sense of criticizing someone sharply is common in informal speech. The phrase “stab someone in the back” specifically denotes betrayal or unwarranted criticism from someone supposedly supportive.