Stung is the past tense of sting, which means to prick or wound with something sharp, usually causing a sudden, burning pain. When a bee stings you, it pushes its barbed stinger into your skin and injects venom that makes the spot hurt and swell. Wasps, jellyfish, and scorpions can also sting. Even some plants sting: brushing against stinging nettles leaves tiny needles in your skin that create an itchy, burning sensation.

The word also describes sharp emotional pain. When someone's harsh words sting, they hurt your feelings in a sudden, piercing way. A thoughtless comment can sting just as sharply as a physical wound. You might say criticism stung when it felt especially painful, or that a disappointing loss stung your team's pride.

Sometimes people say the truth stings, meaning that honest feedback can hurt even when it's necessary. Getting stung, whether by an insect or by words, is that quick shock of pain that makes you want to pull back and protect yourself.