PRICK Meaning and
Definition
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Prick, as a noun, refers to a sharp or pointed object, often associated with a feeling of discomfort or pain upon contact. It can be a small, thin piece of metal or thorn, used in the context of physical objects like needles, pins, or splinters. Additionally, it can describe the feeling caused by a sharp or sudden pain, whether literal or metaphorical. In terms of anatomy, it can refer to a pointed structure or projection, such as the pointed tip of a thorn or the sharp end of an animal's claw.
As a verb, "prick" describes the action of puncturing or piercing something using a sharp object, like a needle or pin. It can also have metaphorical meanings, such as causing someone to experience or feel a sharp, uncomfortable sensation. Additionally, "prick" can be used colloquially or informally as a derogatory term to describe someone who is irritating, obnoxious, or behaves in a mean-spirited or contemptible manner.
In summary, "prick" can refer to a sharp or pointed object that can cause discomfort or pain, as well as the act of puncturing or piercing something. It can also signify a sudden, sharp pain or be used as a derogatory term to describe someone's behavior.
Common Misspellings for PRICK
Etymology of PRICK
The word "prick" has an interesting etymology. In its earliest usage, it was derived from the Old English word "prica", which meant a goad or a pointy object used to prod animals.
Over time, the word began to take on broader meanings, representing something sharp or pointed, such as a thorn or a needle. It eventually extended to refer to sharp pain or a sensation caused by a pointed object penetrating or poking the skin.
In the 16th century, "prick" began to be used as a slang term in English, primarily in reference to the male genitalia. This usage likely came about due to the resemblance between the shape of the male organ and a pointed object. The word retained its original meanings related to being sharp or puncturing, but it also acquired a more colloquial and often vulgar connotation.
Idioms with the word PRICK
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prick ears up
The idiom "prick ears up" means to listen attentively or show sudden interest in what is being said or heard. It is often used to describe a person's reaction when they become alert and attentive to something that catches their attention or intrigues them. It metaphorically compares the act of suddenly perking up one's ears to becoming more alert and focused.
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prick your ears up
The idiom "prick your ears up" means to suddenly become attentively and very interested in something, often a sound or piece of information. It reflects the behavior of animals, like dogs, who perk up their ears to listen attentively and focus on a particular sound.
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prick out
The idiom "prick out" typically refers to the act of carefully selecting or marking specific items or individuals from a larger group. It can also be used to describe the process of identifying and highlighting specific details or key aspects.
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prick (one's) ears up
The idiom "prick one's ears up" refers to the act of listening intently or becoming attentive to something. It is often used to describe when someone becomes suddenly interested or alert, usually in response to hearing something intriguing or important.
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prick up its ears
The idiom "prick up its ears" refers to someone or something becoming suddenly alert and attentive, as if its ears were raised in interest or curiosity.
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prick up your ears
The idiom "prick up your ears" means to suddenly become attentive or alert, especially in response to hearing something interesting, surprising, or important. It often indicates a sudden increase in curiosity or attentiveness to something that was said or heard.
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prick (one's) conscience
The idiom "prick one's conscience" means to cause feelings of guilt or remorse in someone. It refers to an action, event, or statement that brings about a sense of moral unease or regret, often prompting the individual to reflect upon their behavior or choices.
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like a spare prick at a wedding
The idiom "like a spare prick at a wedding" is a vulgar expression commonly used in British English, although it may be offensive to some. It refers to a person who feels awkward, out of place, or unnecessary in a particular situation. It implies that the individual's presence is superfluous, much like an additional or surplus item that serves no purpose at a wedding. In essence, this idiom conveys a strong sense of being redundant or irrelevant.
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prick up one's ears
The idiom "prick up one's ears" means to suddenly become alert or attentive and start listening attentively, often in response to hearing something interesting, surprising, or important.
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be like a spare prick at a wedding
The idiom "be like a spare prick at a wedding" is a vulgar expression used to describe someone who feels awkward, out of place, or unnecessary in a particular situation or gathering. It suggests that the person's presence is superfluous, just like an extra or unnecessary object (in this case, a prick, a slang term for penis) at a wedding ceremony where only the bride and groom are essential. This idiom conveys a sense of feeling uncomfortable, useless, or unnecessary in a given context.
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prick up ears
The idiom "prick up ears" means to become very attentive and attentive to something. It is often used to describe the action of listening attentively or showing interest in something that captures one's attention.
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prick your conscience
The idiom "prick your conscience" means to cause a feeling of guilt or remorse in someone. It refers to something that makes a person feel uneasy or troubled, typically because they know they have done something wrong or morally questionable. The phrase suggests that the person's conscience is being poked or pricked, prompting them to reflect on their actions or behavior.
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prick sb's conscience
The idiom "prick someone's conscience" means to cause someone to feel guilty or regretful about their actions or behavior. It implies that something or someone has touched on a person's moral compass, leading them to question or feel remorseful for their actions.
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prick the bubble (of sth)
The idiom "prick the bubble (of sth)" means to burst or destroy someone's illusions, hopes, or fantasies about something. It refers to the act of deflating or puncturing a metaphorical bubble, often created by unrealistic or idealistic beliefs or expectations. Additionally, it can suggest bringing someone back to reality or exposing the truth behind a particular situation.
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a spare prick at a wedding
The idiom "a spare prick at a wedding" is a slang term used to describe someone who is unwanted, unnecessary, or out of place in a particular situation. It implies that the person is superfluous or surplus to requirements, similar to an extra or unused object at a wedding.
Similar spelling words for PRICK
Conjugate verb Prick
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have pricked
you
would have pricked
he/she/it
would have pricked
we
would have pricked
they
would have pricked
I
would have prick
you
would have prick
he/she/it
would have prick
we
would have prick
they
would have prick
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been pricking
you
would have been pricking
he/she/it
would have been pricking
we
would have been pricking
they
would have been pricking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would prick
you
would prick
he/she/it
would prick
we
would prick
they
would prick
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be pricking
you
would be pricking
he/she/it
would be pricking
we
would be pricking
they
would be pricking
FUTURE
I
will prick
you
will prick
he/she/it
will prick
we
will prick
they
will prick
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be pricking
you
will be pricking
he/she/it
will be pricking
we
will be pricking
they
will be pricking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have pricked
you
will have pricked
he/she/it
will have pricked
we
will have pricked
they
will have pricked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been pricking
you
will have been pricking
he/she/it
will have been pricking
we
will have been pricking
they
will have been pricking
IMPERATIVE
you
prick
we
let´s prick
to prick
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was pricking
you
were pricking
he/she/it
was pricking
we
were pricking
they
were pricking
PAST PARTICIPLE
pricked
PAST PERFECT
I
had pricked
you
had pricked
he/she/it
had pricked
we
had pricked
they
had pricked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been pricking
you
had been pricking
he/she/it
had been pricking
we
had been pricking
they
had been pricking
PRESENT
I
prick
you
prick
he/she/it
pricks
we
prick
they
prick
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am pricking
you
are pricking
he/she/it
is pricking
we
are pricking
they
are pricking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
pricking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have pricked
you
have pricked
he/she/it
has pricked
we
have pricked
they
have pricked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been pricking
you
have been pricking
he/she/it
has been pricking
we
have been pricking
they
have been pricking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
prick
SIMPLE PAST
I
pricked
you
pricked
he/she/it
pricked
we
pricked
they
pricked
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