Stab vs. Stick — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 14, 2024
Stab involves a thrusting action with a pointed object, aiming to penetrate, often as an attack; stick generally means to attach or adhere something to another surface.
Difference Between Stab and Stick
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Key Differences
Stab typically implies a quick, forceful thrust with a sharp object, like a knife or needle, intended to pierce or penetrate something. Whereas stick often refers to the act of attaching or securing one object to another, usually using adhesive, or to insert something lightly into another surface.
When someone stabs, the action is usually aggressive and intended to cause damage or injury, focusing on the deliberate intent behind the act. On the other hand, to stick something can be a neutral or constructive action, such as sticking a note on a fridge or a stamp on an envelope.
The context of stab is often violent and is commonly associated with crime or defense scenarios. In contrast, stick has a wide array of uses from everyday household tasks to crafts and industrial applications.
Tools used in stabbing are typically pointed and sharp, such as knives, daggers, or spikes. Conversely, sticking often involves materials like glue, tape, or pins, which are used to join or attach rather than pierce.
In a figurative sense, stab can be used to describe a feeling of sharp discomfort, such as "a stab of pain," emphasizing a sudden and acute sensation. Stick, however, can figuratively mean persistence or adherence to a task, as in "stick to a plan."
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To thrust a pointed weapon into something
To adhere or cause to adhere to a surface
Intent
Often aggressive, to cause injury
Neutral or constructive, to attach or assemble
Common Usage
In violent or defensive contexts
In everyday, crafts, or industrial contexts
Tools/Means
Pointed, sharp objects like knives
Adhesives like glue, tape, or physical insertion
Figurative Meaning
Sudden, sharp feeling or betrayal
Persistence, continuation, or adherence to tasks
Compare with Definitions
Stab
To cause sudden, sharp emotional pain.
His harsh words felt like a stab of betrayal.
Stick
To remain committed to a task or principle.
He sticks to his diet no matter the temptation.
Stab
To pierce or penetrate with a pointed object.
He stabbed the steak with his fork.
Stick
To adhere something to another surface using an adhesive.
Stick the label on the top corner of the package.
Stab
To thrust a knife into someone as an attack.
The hero stabbed the villain in defense.
Stick
To place or push a sharp object into something.
She stuck the pin into the board.
Stab
To attempt hastily or abruptly.
He made a stab at solving the complex puzzle.
Stick
To become fixed or lodged in a place.
The key stuck in the lock and wouldn't turn.
Stab
To make a sharp, piercing gesture.
She stabbed at the air with her finger while arguing.
Stick
To protrude or extend outward.
Branches stick out from the tree awkwardly.
Stab
To pierce or wound with or as if with a pointed weapon.
Stick
A branch or stem that has fallen or been cut from a tree or shrub.
Stab
To plunge (a pointed weapon or instrument) into something.
Stick
A piece of wood, such as a tree branch, that is used for fuel, cut for lumber, or shaped for a specific purpose.
Stab
To make a thrusting or poking motion at or into
Stabbed the air with his fingers.
Stick
A wand, staff, baton, or rod.
Stab
To thrust with or as if with a pointed weapon
Stabbed at the food with her fork.
Stick
(Sports) A long thin implement with a blade or net on the end used to propel and control a puck or ball in hockey or lacrosse.
Stab
To inflict a wound with or as if with a pointed weapon.
Stick
A walking stick; a cane.
Stab
A thrust with a pointed weapon or instrument.
Stick
Something that is long and thin
A stick of dynamite.
A stick of gum.
Stab
A wound inflicted with or as if with a pointed weapon.
Stick
(Slang) A marijuana cigarette.
Stab
A sudden piercing pain.
Stick
The control device of an aircraft that operates the elevators and ailerons.
Stab
An attempt; a try
Made a stab at the answer.
Stick
(Informal) A stick shift.
Stab
An act of stabbing or thrusting with an object.
Stick
(Nautical) A mast or a part of a mast.
Stab
A wound made by stabbing.
Stick
A group of bombs released to fall across an enemy target in a straight row.
Stab
Pain inflicted on a person's feelings.
Stick
(Slang) A group of paratroopers exiting an aircraft in succession.
Stab
(informal) An attempt.
I'll give this thankless task a stab.
Stick
A timber tree.
Stab
Criticism.
Stick
(Informal) A piece of furniture.
Stab
(music) A single staccato chord that adds dramatic impact to a composition.
A horn stab
Stick
A poke, thrust, or stab with a stick or similar object
A stick in the ribs.
Stab
A bacterial culture made by inoculating a solid medium, such as gelatin, with the puncture of a needle or wire.
Stick
A threatened penalty
Using both a carrot and a stick to keep allies in line.
Stab
The horizontal or vertical stabilizer of an aircraft.
Stick
The condition or power of adhering
A glue with plenty of stick.
Stab
(industrial relations) establishment
Stick
A remote area; backwoods
Moved to the sticks.
Stab
(transitive) To pierce or to wound (somebody) with a (usually pointed) tool or weapon, especially a knife or dagger.
If you stab him in the heart he won't live long enough to retaliate.
Stick
A city or town regarded as dull or unsophisticated.
Stab
(transitive) To thrust in a stabbing motion.
To stab a dagger into a person
Stick
(Informal) A person regarded as stiff, boring, or spiritless.
Stab
(intransitive) To recklessly hit with the tip of a (usually pointed) object, such as a weapon or finger (often used with at).
He stabbed at my face with the twig but luckily kept missing my eyes.
Stick
(Obsolete) A difficulty or obstacle; a delay.
Stab
(intransitive) To cause a sharp, painful sensation (often used with at).
The snow from the blizzard was stabbing at my face as I skied down the mountain.
Stick
To pierce, puncture, or penetrate with a pointed instrument
Stick a fingertip with a pin.
Stab
To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander.
To stab a person's reputation
Stick
To kill by piercing
Stick a pig.
Stab
(transitive) To roughen a brick wall with a pick so as to hold plaster.
Stick
To thrust or push (a pointed instrument) into or through another object
Stuck a fork into the turkey.
Stab
(transitive) To pierce folded sheets, near their back edges, for the passage of thread or wire.
Stick
To jab or poke (a pointed or narrow instrument) into or against
The robber stuck a pistol in my ribs.
Stab
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.
Stick
To place or position by pushing or thrusting
Stick candles on the cake.
Stick a flower through a buttonhole.
Stab
Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.
Stick
To fix, impale, or transfix on a pointed object
Stick an olive on a toothpick.
Stab
To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to thrust with a pointed weapon.
None shall dareWith shortened sword to stab in closer war.
Stick
To cover or decorate with objects piercing the surface
Stick a map with pins.
Stab
To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.
She speaks poniards, and every word stabs.
Stick
To fasten into place by forcing an end or point into something
Stick a tack on the wall.
Stab
The thrust of a pointed weapon.
Stick
To fasten or attach with pins, nails, or similar devices
Stuck the announcement on the bulletin board.
Stab
A wound with a sharp-pointed weapon; as, to fall by the stab of an assassin.
Stick
To fasten or attach with an adhesive material, such as glue or tape.
Stab
Fig.: An injury inflicted covertly or suddenly; as, a stab given to character.
Stick
(Sports) To execute (a landing or dismount) in gymnastics so that the feet do not move after they hit the ground.
Stab
A sudden sharp feeling;
Pangs of regret
She felt a stab of excitement
Twinges of conscience
Stick
To detain or delay
We were stuck at the airport overnight.
Stab
A thrusting blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument;
One strong stab to the heart killed him
Stick
(Informal) To confuse, baffle, or puzzle
I started doing the math problems, but I got stuck.
Stab
Informal words for any attempt or effort;
He gave it his best shot
He took a stab at forecasting
Stick
Past tense and past participle sticked (stĭkt) To prop (a plant) with sticks or brush on which to grow.
Stab
Use a knife on;
The victim was knifed to death
Stick
Past tense and past participle sticked Printing To set (type) in a composing stick.
Stab
Stab or pierce;
He jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife
Stick
To cover or smear with something sticky.
Stab
Poke or thrust abruptly;
He jabbed his finger into her ribs
Stick
(Informal) To put blame or responsibility on; burden
Stuck me with the bill.
Stick
(Slang) To defraud or cheat
The dealer stuck me with shoddy merchandise.
Stick
To be or become fixed or embedded in place by having the point thrust in
The spear stuck in the shield.
Stick
To become or remain attached or in close association; cling
Stick together in a crowd.
Stick
To remain firm, determined, or resolute
Stuck to basic principles.
Stick
To remain loyal or faithful
Stuck by her through hard times.
Stick
To persist or endure
A bad name that has stuck.
Stick
To scruple or hesitate
She sticks at nothing—no matter how difficult.
Stick
To become fixed, blocked, checked, or obstructed
The drawer stuck and would not open.
Stick
To project or protrude
Hair sticking out on his head.
Stick
(Sports) To throw a jab in boxing.
Stick
An elongated piece of wood or similar material, typically put to some use, for example as a wand or baton.
Stick
A small, thin branch from a tree or bush; a twig; a branch.
The beaver's dam was made out of sticks.
Stick
A relatively long, thin piece of wood, of any size.
I found several good sticks in the brush heap.
What do you call a boomerang that won't come back? A stick.
Stick
(US) A timber board, especially a two by four (inches).
I found enough sticks in dumpsters at construction sites to build my shed.
Stick
A cane or walking stick (usually wooden, metal or plastic) to aid in walking.
I don’t need my stick to walk, but it’s helpful.
Stick
A cudgel or truncheon (usually of wood, metal or plastic), especially one carried by police or guards.
As soon as the fight started, the guards came in swinging their sticks.
Stick
(carpentry) The vertical member of a cope-and-stick joint.
Stick
(nautical) A mast or part of a mast of a ship; also, a yard.
Stick
(figuratively) A piece (of furniture, especially if wooden).
We were so poor we didn't have one stick of furniture.
Stick
Any roughly cylindrical (or rectangular) unit of a substance.
Sealing wax is available as a cylindrical or rectangular stick.
Stick
A small rectangular block, with a length several times its width, which contains by volume one half of a cup of shortening (butter, margarine or lard).
The recipe calls for half a stick of butter.
Stick
A standard rectangular strip of chewing gum.
Don’t hog all that gum, give me a stick!
Stick
(slang) A cigarette usually a tobacco cigarette, less often a marijuana cigarette.
Cigarettes are taxed at one dollar per stick.
Stick
Material or objects attached to a stick or the like.
Stick
A bunch of something wrapped around or attached to a stick.
My parents bought us each a stick of cotton candy.
Stick
(archaic) A scroll that is rolled around (mounted on, attached to) a stick.
Stick
(military) The structure to which a set of bombs in a bomber aircraft are attached and which drops the bombs when it is released. The bombs themselves and, by extension, any load of similar items dropped in quick succession such as paratroopers or containers.
Stick
A tool, control, or instrument shaped somewhat like a stick.
Stick
A manual transmission, a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, so called because of the stick-like, i.e. twig-like, control (the gear shift) with which the driver of such a vehicle controls its transmission.
I grew up driving a stick, but many people my age didn’t.
Stick
(aviation) The control column of an aircraft; a joystick. By convention, a wheel-like control mechanism with a handgrip on opposite sides, similar to the steering wheel of an automobile, can also be called the "stick", although "yoke" or "control wheel" is more commonly seen.
Stick
Use of the stick to control the aircraft.
Stick
(computing) A memory stick.
Stick
(slang) A handgun.
Stick
A composing stick, the tool used by compositors to assemble lines of type.
Stick
The clarinet.
Stick
(sports) A stick-like item:
Stick
A long thin implement used to control a ball or puck in sports like hockey, polo, and lacrosse.
Tripping with the stick is a violation of the rules.
Stick
(horse racing) The short whip carried by a jockey.
Stick
(boardsports) A board as used in board sports, such as a surfboard, snowboard, or skateboard.
Stick
(golf) The pole bearing a small flag that marks the hole.
His wedge shot bounced off the stick and went in the hole.
Stick
The cue used in billiards, pool, snooker, etc.
His stroke with that two-piece stick is a good as anybody's in the club.
Stick
Ability; specifically:
Stick
(golf) The long-range driving ability of a golf club.
Stick
(baseball) The potential hitting power of a specific bat.
Stick
(baseball) General hitting ability.
Stick
(hockey) The potential accuracy of a hockey stick, implicating also the player using it.
Stick
A person or group of people. (Perhaps, in some senses, because people are, broadly speaking, tall and thin, like pieces of wood.)
Stick
A thin or wiry person; particularly a flat-chested woman.
Stick
(magic) An assistant planted in the audience.
Stick
(gambling) A shill or house player.
Stick
A stiff, stupidly obstinate person.
Stick
A fighter pilot.
Stick
A small group of (infantry) soldiers.
Stick
Encouragement or punishment, or (resulting) vigour or other improved behavior.
Stick
A negative stimulus or a punishment. (This sense derives from the metaphor of using a stick, a long piece of wood, to poke or beat a beast of burden to compel it to move forward. Compare carrot.)
Stick
Corporal punishment; beatings.
Stick
(slang) Vigor; spirit; effort, energy, intensity.
Give it some stick!
Stick
(slang) Vigorous driving of a car; gas.
Stick
A measure.
Stick
(obsolete) An English Imperial unit of length equal to 2 inches.
Stick
A quantity of eels, usually 25.
Stick
(motor racing) The traction of tires on the road surface.
Stick
(fishing) The amount of fishing line resting on the water surface before a cast; line stick.
Stick
A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
Stick
Criticism or ridicule.
Stick
(carpentry) To cut a piece of wood to be the stick member of a cope-and-stick joint.
Stick
To compose; to set, or arrange, in a composing stick.
To stick type
Stick
(transitive) To furnish or set with sticks.
Stick
(intransitive) To become or remain attached; to adhere.
The tape will not stick if it melts.
Stick
(intransitive) To jam; to stop moving.
The lever sticks if you push it too far up.
Stick
(transitive) To tolerate, to endure, to stick with.
Stick
(intransitive) To persist.
His old nickname stuck.
Stick
(intransitive) Of snow, to remain frozen on landing.
Stick
(intransitive) To remain loyal; to remain firm.
Just stick to your strategy, and you will win.
Stick
To hesitate, to be reluctant; to refuse (in negative phrases).
Stick
To be puzzled (at something), have difficulty understanding.
Stick
To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation.
Stick
(transitive) To attach with glue or as if by gluing.
Stick the label on the jar.
Stick
(transitive) To place, set down (quickly or carelessly).
Stick your bag over there and come with me.
Stick
(transitive) To press (something with a sharp point) into something else.
The balloon will pop when I stick this pin in it.
To stick a needle into one's finger
Stick
To stab.
Stick
(transitive) To fix on a pointed instrument; to impale.
To stick an apple on a fork
Stick
To adorn or deck with things fastened on as by piercing.
Stick
To perform (a landing) perfectly.
Once again, the world champion sticks the dismount.
Stick
To propagate plants by cuttings.
Stick cuttings from geraniums promptly.
Stick
To run or plane (mouldings) in a machine, in contradistinction to working them by hand. Such mouldings are said to be stuck.
Stick
To bring to a halt; to stymie; to puzzle.
To stick somebody with a hard problem
Stick
To impose upon; to compel to pay; sometimes, to cheat.
Stick
To stand pat: to cease taking any more cards and finalize one's hand.
Stick
(informal) Likely to stick; sticking, sticky.
A non-stick pan. A stick plaster.
A sticker type of glue. The stickest kind of gum.
Stick
A small shoot, or branch, separated, as by a cutting, from a tree or shrub; also, any stem or branch of a tree, of any size, cut for fuel or timber.
Withered sticks to gather, which might serveAgainst a winter's day.
Stick
Any long and comparatively slender piece of wood, whether in natural form or shaped with tools; a rod; a wand; a staff; as, the stick of a rocket; a walking stick.
Stick
Anything shaped like a stick; as, a stick of wax.
Stick
A derogatory expression for a person; one who is inert or stupid; as, an odd stick; a poor stick.
Stick
A composing stick. See under Composing. It is usually a frame of metal, but for posters, handbills, etc., one made of wood is used.
Stick
A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
Stick
To penetrate with a pointed instrument; to pierce; to stab; hence, to kill by piercing; as, to stick a beast.
And sticked him with bodkins anon.
It was a shame . . . to stick him under the other gentleman's arm while he was redding the fray.
Stick
To cause to penetrate; to push, thrust, or drive, so as to pierce; as, to stick a needle into one's finger.
Thou stickest a dagger in me.
Stick
To fasten, attach, or cause to remain, by thrusting in; hence, also, to adorn or deck with things fastened on as by piercing; as, to stick a pin on the sleeve.
My shroud of white, stuck all with yew.
The points of spears are stuck within the shield.
Stick
To set; to fix in; as, to stick card teeth.
Stick
To set with something pointed; as, to stick cards.
Stick
To fix on a pointed instrument; to impale; as, to stick an apple on a fork.
Stick
To attach by causing to adhere to the surface; as, to stick on a plaster; to stick a stamp on an envelope; also, to attach in any manner.
Stick
To compose; to set, or arrange, in a composing stick; as, to stick type.
Stick
To run or plane (moldings) in a machine, in contradistinction to working them by hand. Such moldings are said to be stuck.
Stick
To cause to stick; to bring to a stand; to pose; to puzzle; as, to stick one with a hard problem.
Stick
To impose upon; to compel to pay; sometimes, to cheat.
Stick
To adhere; as, glue sticks to the fingers; paste sticks to the wall.
The green caterpillar breedeth in the inward parts of roses not blown, where the dew sticketh.
Stick
To be prevented from going farther; to stop by reason of some obstacle; to be stayed.
I had most need of blessing, and "Amen"Stuck in my throat.
The trembling weapon passedThrough nine bull hides, . . . and stuck within the last.
Stick
To be embarrassed or puzzled; to hesitate; to be deterred, as by scruples; to scruple; - often with at.
They will stick long at part of a demonstration for want of perceiving the connection of two ideas.
Some stick not to say, that the parson and attorney forged a will.
Stick
To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation.
This is the difficulty that sticks with the most reasonable.
Stick
Implement consisting of a length of wood;
He collected dry sticks for a campfire
The kid had a candied apple on a stick
Stick
A small thin branch of a tree
Stick
A lever used by a pilot to control the ailerons and elevators of an airplane
Stick
Informal terms of the leg;
Fever left him weak on his sticks
Stick
Marijuana leaves rolled into a cigarette for smoking
Stick
Threat of a penalty;
The policy so far is all stick and no carrot
Stick
Fix, force, or implant;
Lodge a bullet in the table
Stick
Stay put (in a certain place);
We are staying in Detroit; we are not moving to Cincinnati
Stay put in the corner here!
Stick around and you will learn something!
Stick
Cause to protrude or as if to protrude;
Stick one's hand out of the window
Stick one's nose into other people's business
Stick
Stick to firmly;
Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
Stick
Be or become fixed;
The door sticks--we will have to plane it
Stick
Endure;
The label stuck to her for the rest of her life
Stick
Be a devoted follower or supporter;
The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
She sticks to her principles
Stick
Be loyal to;
She stood by her husband in times of trouble
The friends stuck together through the war
Stick
Cover and decorate with objects that pierce the surface;
Stick some feathers in the turkey before you serve it
Stick
Fasten with an adhesive material like glue;
Stick the poster onto the wall
Stick
Fasten with or as with pins or nails;
Stick the photo onto the corkboard
Stick
Fasten into place by fixing an end or point into something;
Stick the corner of the sheet under the mattress
Stick
Pierce with a thrust using a pointed instrument;
He stuck the cloth with the needle
Stick
Pierce or penetrate or puncture with something pointed;
He stuck the needle into his finger
Stick
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;
The dress clings to her body
The label stuck to the box
The sushi rice grains cohere
Stick
Saddle with something disagreeable or disadvantageous;
They stuck me with the dinner bill
I was stung with a huge tax bill
Stick
Be a mystery or bewildering to;
This beats me!
Got me--I don't know the answer!
A vexing problem
This question really stuck me
Common Curiosities
What are common materials that 'stick' can be associated with?
Common materials include glue, tape, and sticky substances like syrup or gum.
Can 'stick' imply a permanent attachment?
Yes, stick can imply either a temporary or permanent attachment, depending on the adhesive used.
Is stabbing always illegal?
Stabbing is generally illegal when it involves attacking someone but can be legally justified in self-defense situations.
Is it correct to use 'stab' in a non-violent context?
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe an attempt at something, like "a stab at poetry."
Can 'stick' refer to staying with an opinion or decision?
Yes, sticking to an opinion or decision implies maintaining or being firm in one's commitment.
What is a typical scenario for using 'stab'?
Stab is often used in scenarios involving violence or self-defense, where a sharp object is used as a weapon.
Does 'stab' have a medical use?
Yes, in medical contexts, stab refers to a precise, controlled penetration with a needle or scalpel.
Can 'stab' be used in a playful or non-serious manner?
Rarely; 'stab' generally has serious connotations, though it can be used lightly in phrases like "a stab in the dark."
How does 'stick' function in computer terminology?
In computer terms, 'stick' can refer to memory sticks or USB flash drives used for data storage.
What does a 'stab of pain' imply?
It implies a sudden, sharp, and intense pain, often unexpected.
Are there environmental concerns associated with materials that stick?
Yes, adhesives and tapes can contribute to environmental waste and pollution if not disposed of properly.
How does the legal system view stabbing incidents?
Stabbing incidents are treated with gravity, often involving charges of assault or murder.
What are the safety concerns with 'stick'?
Safety concerns include accidental ingestion of small objects or harmful adhesives by children.
What is the difference in emotional connotation between 'stab' and 'stick'?
Stab often conveys aggression or pain, while stick can suggest reliability and commitment.
Can both 'stab' and 'stick' be used in culinary contexts?
Stab can refer to the action of piercing food with utensils, while stick can involve recipes where ingredients must adhere, like coatings.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
