stick1
n.
- a thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut off a tree.
▸a stick used for support in walking or as a weapon.
▸
(the sticks)
informal goalposts or cricket stumps.
▸Nautical, archaic a mast or spar.
- (in hockey, polo, etc.) a long, thin implement with a curved head or angled blade, used to hit or direct the ball or puck.
▸
(sticks)
(in field hockey) the foul play of raising the stick above the shoulder.
- a long, thin object or piece of something:
a stick of dynamite.
▸a conductor's baton.
▸a gear or control lever.
- the threat of punishment as a means of persuasion (as contrasted with the ‘carrot’ or enticement).
▸Brit. informal severe criticism or treatment.
-
(the sticks)
informal, derogatory rural areas.
- informal, dated a person of a specified kind:
Janet's not a bad old stick.
- a small group of soldiers assigned to a particular duty.
- a group of bombs or paratroopers dropped from an aircraft.
- Stock Exchange a large quantity of unsold stock, especially the proportion of shares which must be taken up by underwriters after an unsuccessful issue.
Phrase
- up sticks
Brit. informal go to live elsewhere.
[from naut. sl. to up sticks ‘set up a boat's mast’ (ready for departure).]
Etymology
OE sticca ‘peg, stick, spoon’, of W. Gmc origin.
stick2
v.
(past and past part. stuck)
- insert, thrust, or push (an object or its point) into or through something.
▸
(stick in/into/through)
be or remain fixed with its point embedded in.
▸stab or pierce with a sharp object.
- put somewhere in a quick or careless way.
▸
informal used to express angry dismissal of a particular thing:
they can stick the job.
- protrude or extend in a certain direction.
- adhere or cause to adhere.
-
(be stuck)
be fixed in a particular position or unable to move or be moved.
▸be unable to progress with a task or find the answer or solution.
▸
(be stuck for)
be at a loss for or in need of.
▸
(be stuck with)
informal be unable to get rid of or escape from.
▸
(be stuck on)
informal be infatuated with.
- Brit. informal accept; tolerate; endure:
I can't stick Geoffrey.
▸
(stick at)
informal persevere with (a task or endeavour).
▸
(stick it out)
informal put up with or persevere with something difficult or disagreeable.
Phrase
- get stuck in
(or into)
Brit. informal start doing something with determination. - stick in one's throat
(or craw)
be difficult or impossible to accept. - stick it to
informal, chiefly N. Amer. treat harshly. - stick one's neck out
informal risk incurring criticism or anger by acting or speaking boldly.
Phrase verbal
- stick around
informal remain in or near a place. - stick by
continue to support or be loyal to. - stick something on
informal place the blame for a mistake or wrongdoing on. - stick out
be extremely noticeable. - stick out for
refuse to accept less than. - stick to
continue or confine oneself to doing, using, or practising. - stick together
informal remain united or mutually loyal. - stick someone/thing up
informal rob someone or something at gunpoint. - stick up for
support or defend. - stick with
informal persevere or continue with.
Derivative
Etymology
OE stician, of Gmc origin.