Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - stab

v. & n. --v. (stabbed, stabbing) 1 tr. pierce or wound with a (usu. short) pointed tool or weapon e.g. a knife or dagger. 2 intr. (often foll. by at) aim a blow with such a weapon. 3 intr. cause a sensation like being stabbed (stabbing pain). 4 tr. hurt or distress (a person, feelings, conscience, etc.). 5 intr. (foll. by at) aim a blow at a person's reputation, etc. --n. 1 a an instance of stabbing. b a blow or thrust with a knife etc. 2 a wound made in this way. 3 a blow or pain inflicted on a person's feelings. 4 colloq. an attempt, a try. Phrases and idioms stab in the back n. a treacherous or slanderous attack. --v.tr. slander or betray. Derivatives stabber n. Etymology: ME: cf. dial. stob in sense 1 of v.