Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about Jab (AI summary)

The word "jab" is used with notable versatility in literature, functioning as both a literal and metaphorical device. In physical confrontations, it describes a quick, precise strike—a move in boxing or martial arts that emphasizes speed and accuracy, as seen when a fighter throws a short jab to set up an attack [1][2]. In combat scenes, the term captures the sudden, often brutal impact of a thrust with a weapon, whether it’s a bayonet, knife, or lance, evoking the immediacy of physical violence [3][4][5]. At the same time, "jab" can also suggest an emotional or verbal sting, indicating a sharp, unexpected intrusion on someone's feelings or state of mind [6][7]. This duality of meaning not only intensifies the tension in battle sequences but also enriches character interactions by weaving in subtle layers of hurt and aggression.
  1. Wonder how she'll like my upper-cut and left-hand jab!
    — from Punch, or the London Charivari, June 10, 1914 by Various
  2. His left hand jab could stand without revision in any textbook.
    — from Pieces of Hate; And Other Enthusiasms by Heywood Broun
  3. In a twinkling the thrust had been parried by Lieutenant Morris, who, at close quarters, aimed a vicious jab at his captain's wind-pipe.
    — from Uncle Sam's Boys with Pershing's Troops Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
  4. but he discovered that he had not forgotten how to bring up his knee and jab his antagonist in the stomach.
    — from New Lamps by Robert Moore Williams
  5. A left jab from him had all the majesty of a formal declaration of war.
    — from The Coming of Bill by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
  6. He turned away; but with each step, something seemed to jab at his heart.
    — from Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works by John Galsworthy
  7. But, say, I've met too many peevish old parties to let a little jab like that tie up my tongue.
    — from On With Torchy by Sewell Ford

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux