from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stab \Stab\ (st[a^]b), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Stabbed} (st[a^]bd);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Stabbing}.] [Cf. OD. staven to fix, fasten,
fr. stave, staff, a staff, rod; akin to G. stab a staff,
stick, E. staff; also Gael. stob to stab, as n., a stake, a
stub. Cf. {Staff}.]
1. To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the
thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a
dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a
person.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: To injure secretly or by malicious falsehood or
slander; as, to stab a person's reputation.
[1913 Webster]