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jab

6 dictionary results for: jab

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

jab

[

jab] Pronunciation Key verb, jabbed, jab·bing, noun

–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)

1.	to poke, or thrust abruptly or sharply, as with the end or point of a stick.

2.	to punch, esp. with a short, quick blow.

–noun

3.	a poke with the end or point of something; a sharp, quick thrust.

4.	a short, quick punch.

[Origin: 1815–25; var., orig. Scots, of job²

]

—Related forms

jab·bing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

jab   (jāb) Pronunciation Key
v.   jabbed, jab·bing, jabs

v.   tr.

To poke or thrust abruptly: jabbed a knife into the log.
To stab or pierce: jabbed the steak with a fork.
To punch (someone) with short blows.

v. intr.

To make an abrupt poking or thrusting motion: jabbed at the pickles with his fork.
To deliver a quick punch.

A quick stab or blow.
Sports A short straight punch in boxing.

[Variant of job².]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
jab

1825, "to thrust with a point," Scot. variant of job "to strike, pierce, thrust," from M.E. jobben "to jab, thrust, peck" (c.1490), of unknown origin, perhaps echoic. Noun meaning "a punch with the fist" is from 1889. Sense of "injection with a hypodermic needle" is from 1914.

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

jab
noun
1.	a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow); "he warned me with a jab with his finger"; "he made a thrusting motion with his fist"
2.	a quick short straight punch
3.	the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow; "she gave me a sharp dig in the ribs" [syn: dig]
verb
1.	poke or thrust abruptly; "he jabbed his finger into her ribs"
2.	strike or punch with quick and short blows
3.	stab or pierce; "he jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife" [syn: stab]