pricking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of puncturing with a small point
    prick.
    • he gave the balloon a small prick
  2. verb make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
    prick; prickle.
    • The nurse pricked my finger to get a small blood sample
  3. verb cause a stinging pain
    twinge; prick; sting.
    • The needle pricked his skin
  4. verb raise
    prick up; prick; cock up.
    • The dog pricked up his ears
  5. verb stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
    prick; goad.
  6. verb cause a prickling sensation
    prick; prickle.
  7. verb to cause a sharp emotional pain
    prick.
    • The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience
  8. verb deliver a sting to
    bite; prick; sting.
    • A bee stung my arm yesterday

WordNet

Prick"ing noun
Definitions
  1. The act of piercing or puncturing with a sharp point. "There is that speaketh like the prickings of a sword." Prov. xii. 18 [1583].
  2. (Far.) (a) The driving of a nail into a horse's foot so as to produce lameness. (b) Same as Nicking.
  3. A sensation of being pricked. Shak.
  4. The mark or trace left by a hare's foot; a prick; also, the act of tracing a hare by its footmarks. Obs.
  5. Dressing one's self for show; prinking. Obs.

Webster 1913