Sting

A sharp, localized pain caused by the sudden injection of venom, a sharp object, or a smarting remark. It can also refer to the act of inflicting such pain, both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, it can describe a deceptive maneuver, especially in law enforcement, aimed at catching someone committing a crime. The word encompasses both the sensation of being hurt and the act of causing hurt, in various contexts including physical, emotional, and deceptive scenarios.

Sting meaning with examples

• The bee's sting left a red welt and a throbbing ache on her arm. She quickly applied ice to alleviate the swelling and the sharp pain, which she described as a burning sting. Later, she carefully checked the area for any further signs of infection, mindful of any possible allergic reactions. The unpleasant sting subsided after a few hours.
• His cruel words carried a sting that lingered long after the argument ended. The subtle sting of his disapproval stung deep within her, and the emotional pain continued to affect her self-esteem. She tried to forget what he said, but his comments had an immediate sting. She would always regret having had such a conversation.
• Undercover officers conducted a sting operation to catch the counterfeiters in the act. The sting successfully apprehended several suspects attempting to sell fake designer handbags. The law enforcement team meticulously planned the sting to gather concrete evidence. Their actions were not illegal.
• The moral sting of his betrayal still bothered him years later. It felt like he had betrayed himself. Despite his outward success, the sting of past mistakes continued to haunt him, leading to moments of profound self-doubt. He was constantly haunted by his lack of morals.