Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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sting, stings, stinging, stung

Synonyms: prick, bite, hurt, wound, smart

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Antonyms: soothe, heal, calm, relieve, aid

The Verb Sting – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb sting is an irregular verb that describes the action of an insect, animal, or plant piercing the skin and injecting venom, causing a sharp pain. Figuratively, it means to cause a sharp mental or emotional pain.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: sting
■ Past Simple: stung
■ Past Participle: stung
■ Present Participle/Gerund: stinging


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Sting' is used for both physical and emotional sharp pain.


1. A Wound from an Insect, Animal, or Plant
This is its primary, literal meaning.


■ Insects: 'A bee stung me on my hand.'
■ Plants: 'Be careful not to touch the nettles; they sting.'


2. Causing a Sharp Pain
This refers to a sharp, burning, or tingling sensation.


■ Sensation: 'The antiseptic stung when she put it on the cut.' / 'The cold wind was stinging my face.'


3. Causing Emotional Pain (Figurative)
This refers to hurtful words or actions.


■ Words: 'His sarcastic comments really stung.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: NOUN FORM


■ Noun 'A Sting': The noun form refers to the wound itself or the act of stinging.
■ Example: 'A wasp sting can be very painful.'
■ Special Use: 'A sting operation' is a common term for an elaborate police trap designed to catch criminals.