prick
UK[prɪk]US[prɪk]
v
to make a very small hole in something with a sharp point
v
to cause a slight sharp pain or a stinging sensation
n
a slight sharp pain, as from a pin or a thorn
n
(vulgar slang) a penis, or a stupid or unpleasant man
Etymology
the word "prick" originates from the old english pricca, meaning a point or dot, and prician, meaning to pierce. these are believed to be of west germanic origin, related to middle dutch pricken and middle low german pricken, all conveying the core idea of a pointed action or object. the semantic journey from a physical point to a piercing sensation is direct, while the later development of vulgar slang meanings for "penis" or "contemptible man" follows a common pattern of using terms for sharp objects as pejorative or coarse anatomical references.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form of old english origin. it is not productively composed of smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she pricked her finger on a sewing needle.
tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
he felt a sharp prick when the nurse took the blood sample.