Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STAB, v.t. [This word contains the elements, and is probably from the primary sense of the L. stabilis, stabilio, stipo, D. stippen, to point or prick, Eng. stiff, and a multitude of others in many languages. The radical sense is to thrust; but I know not to what Oriental roots they are allied, unless to the Heb. יצב, Ar. وَصَبَ watsaba. Class Sb, No. 35, 37, or Class Db, No. 46, 53, 44.]

1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; as, to be stabbed by a dagger or a spear; to stab fish or eels.
2. To wound mischievously or mortally; to kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument. – Philips.
3. To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or slander; as, to stab reputation.