- 1[transitive] to make a very small hole in something with a sharp point prick something He pricked the balloon and popped it. prick something with something Prick holes in the paper with a pin.
- 2[transitive] prick something (on something) to make a small hole in the skin so that it hurts or blood comes out She pricked her finger on a needle.
- 3[intransitive, transitive] to make someone feel a slight pain as if they were being pricked He felt a pricking sensation in his throat. prick something Tears pricked her eyes. Idioms
- 1(of an animal, especially a horse or dog) to raise the ears
- 2(also your ears prick up) (of a person) to listen carefully, especially because you have just heard something interesting Her ears pricked up at the sound of his name. I walked along, ears pricked for the slightest noise.
prick
verbNAmE//prɪk//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they prick he / she / it pricks
past simple pricked
-ing form pricking
to make you feel guilty about something; to feel guilty about something Her conscience pricked her as she lied to her sister.
Check pronunciation: prick