sting
Pronunciation: [stɪŋ]
Context: “physical sensation”
(verb) to feel a sharp, sometimes painful sensation in your skin. It's like when a bee bites you or when something hot touches you and it hurts a little.
Example
The bee sting was painful, but I didn't cry.
Example
The ice cube didn't sting my hand at all.
Example
Did the mosquito sting you when you were outside?
Context: “physical sensation”
(noun) the feeling of a sharp pain that comes from something like an insect or a feeling that hurts emotionally. It can also be the area on your skin that hurts because of a bite.
Example
I could still feel the sting from the jellyfish several hours later.
Example
There was no sting from that little bug; it didn’t hurt at all.
Example
Did you feel any sting when that bug landed on you?
Context: “emotion”
(verb) to hurt someone’s feelings, often by saying something mean. It’s like when you say something that makes someone feel sad or upset.
Example
His kind words did not sting her; they made her feel good.
Example
Her comment stung him, and he felt very upset.
Example
Did your words sting her feelings when you said that?
Context: “emotion”
(noun) the feeling of hurt or sadness that comes from something someone said. It can also refer to that moment when someone feels bad because of words.
Example
The sting in her heart slowly faded as she forgave him.
Example
There was no sting from her rude words; he ignored her completely.
Example
Did you feel a sting in your heart when she said that?