Stingings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A series of sharp, often painful sensations in the skin caused by something like an insect bite or a sharp object
2. The act of inflicting a localized discomfort through a sudden, pointed strike or jab from a thorn, needle, or insect
3. A collection of irritative feelings that result from exposure to a source that punctures or irritates the skin or mucous membranes

Etymology: "Stingings" is the plural of "stinging," which is itself a noun formed from the verb "sting" and the suffix "-ing." Its ancestor, Middle English "styngyng," was built the same way: the verb "sting" with the ending that turns an action into a thing. The word thus names a single act of stinging, and the plural simply counts repeated episodes of it. The verb "sting" goes back to Old English "stingan," meaning to pierce or stab with a pointed object. That original sense of thrusting something sharp into a body is still visible in the noun, which describes the sharp, prickling pain that follows such a thrust.

Synonyms: stings, pricks, piercings, pains, bitings

Antonyms: soothings, reliefs, comforts, calmings, healings