jabbing

Everyday

1. Poking or pushing something sharp or pointed quickly and hard: «He kept jabbing me with his pencil.» tree →
2. (boxing) Throwing quick, short straight punches. tree →
3. (noun, UK informal) A jab is an injection or vaccination: «the flu jab». tree →
4. (figurative) Making sharp, unkind remarks at someone. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday word in the playground («Stop jabbing me!»), in sport (boxing) and in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand for vaccinations at the doctor's. In stories it adds sharp, quick action.

Examples

• Stop jabbing me with your elbow! tree →
• He was jabbing at the buttons on the remote. tree →
• The boxer kept jabbing with his left hand. tree →
• I had my flu jab at school. tree →
• She was jabbing her finger at the map. tree →
• The Rat was jabbing the river bank with a stick. tree →

Note

Double b: jab → jabbed, jabbing. «Jab» for an injection is informal (UK, Ireland, Australia); in the US people say «shot».