刺
prick; stimulate; assassinate; satirize; sharp spine
Meanings
8 senses · 37 examplesverb
to pierce; to stab with a sharp object
Used for intentional piercing with sharp tools like needles, knives, or thorns.
He accidentally pricked his finger on a nail.
Mom is embroidering flowers with a sewing needle.
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The hunter pierced the prey's body with a spear.
Don't poke other people's books with the tip of your pencil.
He was stabbed in the arm by a thug with a dagger.
verb
to irritate; to stimulate
Used for physical or sensory irritation, especially strong smells or sensations.
The smell of this durian is very strong and irritates the nose.
The sunlight was so bright that I immediately closed my eyes.
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Capsaicin can irritate the skin to create a stinging sensation.
The cold air irritated my respiratory tract.
The smell of this cheap cleaning product is so strong it makes your eyes water.
verb
to assassinate; to murder secretly
formalFormal and literary term for secret political or targeted murder.
The president was assassinated during a speech.
Many famous figures in history have been targeted for assassination.
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Police are investigating the assassination of this politician.
Ancient assassins often used daggers to carry out their killings.
This terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assassination.
verb
to spy; to inquire secretly
literaryLiterary and formal term for secret investigation or prying.
He sent people to spy on the enemy's military intelligence everywhere.
The reporter obtained inside information about this company through secret inquiry.
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Don't casually pry into other people's private affairs.
Ancient spies were specifically responsible for spying on enemy secrets.
He learned the other party's negotiation plan through secret inquiry.
verb
to satirize; to mock with sarcasm
Used for verbal criticism that uses sharp, mocking language.
His articles often satirize the bad phenomena in society.
The teacher used metaphors to satirize the students who didn't study seriously.
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There was sarcasm in his words, clearly mocking me.
This cartoon satirizes the hypocrisy of politicians through exaggerated techniques.
Netizens satirized this formalistic practice in the comment section.
noun
sharp spine; thorn-like object
Can refer to physical sharp objects or figurative sharp, critical remarks.
There are many sharp spines on the back of this fish.
I got a small splinter stuck in my hand, and it hurts badly.
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Rose stems have sharp thorns growing on them.
Don't put sharp sarcasm in your words; speak nicely.
The spines on cacti help them store water.
noun
visiting card; business card
literaryLiterary and formal term for a traditional visiting card, rarely used in modern colloquial speech.
Ancient scholars often exchanged visiting cards when meeting each other.
He handed over his visiting card and asked to meet the host.
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Qing dynasty visiting cards usually printed names, courtesy names, and hometowns.
In ancient times, visiting cards were a symbol of status and rank.
Nowadays most people use electronic business cards instead of traditional visiting cards.
proper noun
surname Ci
A relatively rare Chinese surname.
Mr. Ci is our new colleague.
The surname Ci originated from the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period.