好词典

barb

UK /bɑːb/US /bɑːrb/

词源

源自中古英语,借自古法语 'barbe'(胡须,倒刺),最终来自拉丁语 'barba'(胡须),因倒刺形状类似胡须而得名。

noun

❶ 指箭头、鱼钩等尖锐物体上的倒刺,用于防止拔出或增加伤害。也比喻言语中带刺的讽刺话。

“The fishhook has a sharp barb to keep the fish from escaping.”

(鱼钩上有锋利的倒刺,防止鱼逃脱。)

“Her comment was a barb aimed at his pride.”

(她的话像一根刺,直指他的自尊心。)

同义词:spike, thorn, sting, dig, jab

verb

❶ 给某物装上倒刺,或使言语带有讽刺意味。

“They barbed the arrows for hunting.”

(他们给箭装上倒刺用于狩猎。)

“His words were barbed with hidden criticism.”

(他的话暗含尖锐的批评。)

同义词:sharpen, point, taper, edge, whet

常见短语

barbed wire — 带刺的铁丝网,常用于军事防御或围栏,防止人或动物穿越。

“The prison was surrounded by barbed wire fences.”

(监狱周围围满了带刺的铁丝网。)