Stab \Stab\, v. i.

1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.

None shall dare With shortened sword to stab in closer war. --Dryden.

2. To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.

She speaks poniards, and every word stabs. --Shak.

To stab at, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a pointed weapon at.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Stab \Stab\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stabbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Stabbing.]

[Cf. OD. staven to fix, fasten, fr. stave, staff, a staff, rod; akin to G. stab a staff, stick, E. staff; also Gael. stob to stab, as n., a stake, a stub. Cf. Staff.]

1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.

2. Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Stab \Stab\, n.

1. The thrust of a pointed weapon.

2. A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab an assassin. --Shak.

3. Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)