The word 'stab' emerged in Middle English, around the late 14th century. Its exact origin is obscure, but it is considered an expressive or imitative formation, possibly influenced by the sound or sensation of a quick, piercing thrust. It is related to, and may be a variant of, the earlier Middle English word 'stabbe', meaning a wound from a pointed weapon. This onomatopoeic or symbolic origin connects the short, sharp phonetic form directly to the sudden, violent action it denotes, a pattern seen in other words for quick strikes or blows.

This word is a simplex form. It is a Middle English word, likely of imitative or expressive origin, related to the action it describes.