rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjabQuick poke or punch
noun / verb

jab

JAB/dʒæb/

A brief sharp thrust against something.

The boxer lands a quick jab on her coach's raised mitt.

A woman boxer delivers a compact straight lead-hand jab into a coach's raised focus mitt.
Etymology
jabMiddle Englishto thrust, peck

Middle English jobben described thrusting or pecking, connecting jab with a pointed strike. Its deeper origin is unknown, though it may be imitative.

In context

Anything Goes With James English97:10
they'd spin me over jab me up the ass leave me there for another three days and I just stayed there and eventually the drugs calm me down
Undercover Gangster - Police Officer Robert Sole Tells His Story

More examples

  • She jabs the elevator button with her thumb.
  • A sharp jab from his elbow makes me step aside.
  • He jabbed at the hard soil with a stick.

Forms

jab · jabs · jabbed · jabbing

Similar words

poke
Often gentler and less sudden than a jab.
punch
Specifically a fist strike, not necessarily quick or straight.
thrust
A forceful forward movement, not necessarily brief or making contact.