stab wound

USAGE SUMMARY

"stab wound" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific type of wound caused by a sharp object or weapon being thrust into the body. Example: The victim was rushed to the hospital with multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cause of death: stab wound to the heart.

The New York Times - Books

The girl ended up with a stab wound.

The New York Times

"He died from a single stab wound to the chest, a self-inflicted stab wound," Captain Lomia said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Another person suffered a stab wound to the underside of his chin, he said.

The Guardian

Mick's injuries included a stab wound to the back of the head.

The Guardian - Music

Tells about Monica Seles's absence at the time due to recovering from a stab wound.

The New Yorker

His mother was treated at a hospital for a stab wound and bruises.

The New York Times

At the end of season five, the pregnant Berthaud suffers a severe stab wound.

The Guardian

One person sustained a stab wound and another was injured after being bitten, the police said.

The New York Times

He had a stab wound behind his ear, and an ice pick was found nearby.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The scene of a multiple-stab-wound killing in Episode 2 is especially gruesome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "stab wound", be specific about its location and depth to provide clarity, especially in medical or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stab wound" interchangeably with "slash wound". A "stab wound" implies a penetrating injury, while a slash wound is a longer, more superficial cut across the skin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stab wound" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It names a specific type of injury resulting from a sharp object penetrating the body. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe injuries in news reports, medical contexts, and even fictional narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stab wound" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the body. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and general discussions. The term is considered neutral in register, making it accessible to diverse audiences. Related phrases like "puncture injury" or "knife wound" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the wound's location and depth and to avoid confusing it with other types of wounds, such as slash wounds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knife wound

Specifies that the wound was inflicted by a knife.

wound from stabbing

Focuses on the act of stabbing as the cause of the wound, rather than the specific nature of the wound itself.

puncture injury

Replaces "stab" with a more general term for a piercing injury, focusing on the mechanism of the wound.

piercing injury

Focuses on the action of piercing the skin, rather than the specific type of weapon used.

incised wound

Uses a medical term to describe a wound caused by a sharp object.

laceration from stabbing

Specifies that the laceration is a result of stabbing, clarifying the cause of the wound.

gash from a blade

Describes the wound as a deep cut caused by a bladed weapon.

traumatic puncture

Describes the wound as a result of a traumatic event causing a puncture.

penetrating trauma

Replaces the specific term "stab wound" with a broader term for injuries involving penetration of the body.

cutting injury

A more general term that encompasses any injury caused by a cutting action, including stabbing.

FAQs

How is a "stab wound" different from other types of wounds?

A "stab wound" is specifically caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, whereas other wounds can result from blunt force, cuts, or burns. It's a penetrating injury, unlike a slash or abrasion.

What are some synonyms for "stab wound"?

While context-dependent, some synonyms include "puncture injury", "knife wound" (if a knife was used), or "penetrating trauma".

What details should I include when describing a "stab wound"?

Essential details to include are the location of the wound, its depth, the object used (if known), and any complications such as bleeding or organ damage. This provides a clearer picture of the injury's severity.

Is "stab wound" a formal or informal term?

"Stab wound" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. However, medical reports may use more technical terms like "incised wound" depending on the context and audience.