Search results for 'prick':

prick verb (pricked, pricking) 1 to pierce slightly with a fine point. 2 to make (a hole) by this means. 3 tr & intr to hurt something or someone by this means. 4 tr & intr to smart or make something smart • feel one's eyes pricking. 5 tr & intr (also prick up) a said of a dog, horse, etc: to stick (its ears) upright in response to sound; b said of a dog's, etc ears: to stand erect in this way. 6 to mark out (a pattern) in punctured holes. 7 to trouble • His conscience must be pricking him. 8 to plant (seedlings, etc) in an area of soil that had had small holes marked out on it. noun 1 an act of pricking or feeling of being pricked. 2 the pain of this. 3 a puncture made by pricking. 4 slang the penis. 5 derog slang an abusive term for a man, especially a self-important fool. kick against the pricks to react in vain against discipline or authority. prick up one's ears colloq to start listening attentively.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon prica point.