prick

prick / prik/ • v. [tr.] 1. make a small hole in (something) with a sharp point; pierce slightly: prick the potatoes with a fork. ∎  [intr.] feel a sensation as though a sharp point were sticking into one: she felt her scalp prick and her palms were damp. ∎  (of tears) cause the sensation of imminent weeping in (a person's eyes): tears of disappointment were pricking her eyelids. ∎  [intr.] (of a person's eyes) experience such a sensation. ∎  cause mental or emotional discomfort to: her conscience pricked her as she told the lie. ∎  arouse or provoke to action: the police were pricked into action. 2. (usu. be pricked) (esp. of a horse or dog) make (the ears) stand erect when on the alert: the dog's tail was wagging and her ears were pricked. • n. 1. an act of piercing something with a fine, sharp point: the pin prick had produced a drop of blood. ∎  a small hole or mark made by piercing something with a fine, sharp point. ∎  a sharp pain caused by being pierced with a fine point. ∎  a sudden feeling of distress, anxiety, or some other unpleasant emotion: she felt a prick of resentment. ∎ archaic a goad for oxen. 2. vulgar slang a penis. ∎  a man regarded as stupid, unpleasant, or contemptible. PHRASES: kick against the pricks hurt oneself by persisting in useless resistance or protest. prick up one's ears (esp. of a horse or dog) make the ears stand erect when on the alert. ∎  (of a person) become suddenly attentive: he pricked up his ears when he heard them talking about him. PHRASAL VERBS: prick something out (or off) transplant seedlings to a container or bed that provides adequate room for growth: he was in the garden pricking out marigolds.DERIVATIVES: prick·er n. prick·ing n.