Definition of prick

The origin of the word "prick" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "prec" or "perc" and meant "needle" or "pin". The Old English word was likely derived from the Proto-Germanic prek-, which meant "sharp" or "pointed". The use of "prick" to mean "to puncture" or "to pierce" also has a long history, dating back to the Middle English period (1100-1500 AD). During this time, "pricken" or "prickynge" was commonly used to describe the process of marking or scoring text, often as a means of illustrating it. Over time, the meaning of "prick" expanded to include the sense of "to have sexual intercourse" or "to arouse sexually". This usage first appeared in the Middle English period and may have been influenced by the term's association with piercing or puncturing, as the act of copulation was sometimes compared to the penetration of a bodily orifice with a sharp object. Overall, the history of the word "prick" is a fascinating reflection of the many ways in which language can evolve and take on new meanings over time. The word's diverse associations with needles, pins, punctures, illustrations, and sex help to underscore its rich and complex history, and offer insights into the ways in which culture and society have shaped the English language over the centuries.