Definition of stink

The word "stink" has an ancient Germanic origin. It comes from the Old English word "styngan", which meant "to cause pain" or "to prick or sting" (derived from the Proto-Germanic roots "styng-" or "stycn-", meaning "to pierce" or "to prick"). Over time, this Old English word came to be associated with unpleasant smells, as well. By the Middle English period, "styngen" had developed into "stenchen", which had a stronger connotation of "stink" or "reek", as the Old English "prick" or "pierce" had become less distinct. The word "stink" first appeared in Middle English in the 15th century, with the spelling "styngen" (which later evolved into the modern form "stinken"). It originates from the Middle Dutch "stincen", which in turn comes from the Old Northern Frisian "styngja", meaning "to sting" or "to prick". The word "stink" has remained relatively unchanged since then, retaining its original concept of unpleasant odor. Overall, the evolution of the word "stink" reflects the semantic shift in its meaning from pain or pricking to the sensation of unpleasant smell, growing in association with the physical sensation of being repelled or irritated by a foul odor.