stinging
Like a wasp's attack
Stinging describes something that causes a sharp, burning pain—like the sensation from a bee sting, antiseptic on a cut, or wind-driven sleet.
Figuratively, stinging words or criticism are harsh and hurtful: a stinging rebuke, stinging defeat.
The sting lingers, whether physical or emotional.
Stinging nectar gatherer
- waspNarrow-bodied stinging insect
- hornetLarge aggressive wasp
- jellyfishDrifting marine stinger
- scorpionStinging arachnid with pincers
nettle · venom · barb · antenna · swarm · hive · apiary · yellowjacket
Combustion in progress
- pricklingSharp tingling sensation
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- numbingCausing loss of sensation
- electricPowered by current
pins and needles · zinging · smarting · sharp · biting · nipping · nippy · bracing
Combustion in progress
- smartingExperiencing sharp pain
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- achingExperiencing dull pain
- sorenessTender, painful sensation
prickling · tingling · sharp · piercing · shooting · lancinating · rawness · tenderness
Express sharp disapproval
- scathingSeverely and bitingly critical
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
acerbic · barbed · harsh · withering · sharp-tongued · sarcasm · mockery · derision
Raised skin from impact
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- itchingIrritating skin sensation
rash · allergic · histamine · antihistamine · urticaria · anaphylaxis · reaction · irritation
bee
Stinging nectar gatherer
scorpion · nettle · venom · barb · antenna · swarm · hive · apiary · yellowjacket · fire ant
burning
Combustion in progress
electric · pins and needles · zinging · smarting · sharp · biting · nipping · nippy · bracing · cold
burning
Combustion in progress
soreness · prickling · tingling · sharp · piercing · shooting · lancinating · rawness · tenderness · discomfort
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
caustic · acerbic · barbed · harsh · withering · sharp-tongued · sarcasm · mockery · derision · censure
welts
Raised skin from impact
itching · rash · allergic · histamine · antihistamine · urticaria · anaphylaxis · reaction · irritation · welt
- painache, pain, agony, hurt, hurting
- body discomfortsitching, burning, aching, throbbing, cramping
- skin sensationstingling, burning, itching, numbness, pins and needles
- insect behaviorsforaging, mating, flight, flying, crawling
- pest behaviorbiting, chewing, gnawing, burrowing, infesting
- predationstalking, pursuit, pouncing, attack, killing
stingingsoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
numbing · comforting · painless · mild · balmy
stingingkind
Type or caring
gentle · soothing · comforting · complimentary · praising
- stinging nettlesPlants causing contact dermatitis
- stinging insects
- stinging cellsVenomous capsules in cnidarians
- stinging hairsIrritant-injecting plant structures