frequently_asked_questions_files/Oxford Thesaurus.pdf

19.13 stab...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
stab v. 1 stick, puncture, prick, lance, jab, pierce, run through,
impale, gore, transfix, knife, bayonet, skewer, spike, spit,
spear, pin; plunge, poke, thrust: In the melee, George was
stabbed in the arm. It is said that she stabbed a fork into his
hand. 2 stab in the back. harm, betray, sell out, double-cross,
give the Judas kiss, play false with: As soon as he had left,
they stabbed him in the back by phoning the authorities.
--n. 3 puncture, jab, thrust, (stab-)wound: The coroner's
office reported that the body had six stabs in the abdomen. 4
attempt, try, essay; guess, conjecture: Even if you are wrong,
you lose nothing by making a stab at the right answer. 5 pang,
twinge, pain, ache, hurt, stitch: Doctor, I get a terrible stab
of pain in my side when I turn that way. 6 stab in the back.
treachery, betrayal, double-cross, Judas kiss, kiss of death,
duplicity: Informing on someone to the tax inspector is a
really nasty stab in the back.
stability n. 1 steadiness, solidity, firmness, soundness, sturdiness,
strength: These flimsy structures are not known for their
stability. 2 steadfastness, constancy, dependability,
reliability, tenacity, resolve, resoluteness, perseverance,
determination, persistence, durability, lasting quality,
solidity, permanence: The stability of the government was in
doubt as the crisis continued.
stable adj. 1 steady, solid, firm, sound, sturdy, strong, durable,
well-founded, fast, sure, established, deep-rooted, stout: The
building is designed to remain stable even in a severe
earthquake. 2 lasting, enduring, long-lasting, long-standing,
secure, steadfast, steady, strong, unchanging, unchanged,
unchangeable, unalterable, fixed, invariable, unwavering,
immutable, permanent: A stable relationship has existed between
our countries for generations. The relationship you and I enjoy
has remained stable all our lives. 3 sane, (well-)balanced,
responsible, reasonable, sensible, competent, accountable: He
seemed a nice, stable young man, and nobody would have guessed
that he had a drugs habit.