Word
barbed
US/ˈbɑɹbd/
UK/bˈɑːbd/
Definition
adj. having sharp points that stick out and can catch or hurt things. It can also describe a comment that is clever but meant to be mean.
adj. possessing sharp points or hooks that curve backward to prevent easy removal; figuratively describes remarks that are sharp, critical, or intentionally hurtful.
Examples
“The fence is covered in barbed wire.”
“The politician ignored the reporter's barbed questions about the recent scandal.”
“The conversation was filled with barbed wit, as both rivals attempted to undermine each other's confidence without breaking the formal etiquette of the dinner party.”
Examples
simple
“The fence is covered in barbed wire.”
contextual
“The politician ignored the reporter's barbed questions about the recent scandal.”
complex
“The conversation was filled with barbed wit, as both rivals attempted to undermine each other's confidence without breaking the formal etiquette of the dinner party.”
Usage
Often used attributively before a noun. When used figuratively to describe speech, it implies a hidden sting or malicious intent.
Real-World Examples
“As citizens dug trenches and unspooled barbed wire around the city’s perimeter, Rawlinson drove a staff officer to the Hôtel des Invalides for a meeting with the city’s military governor, General Joseph-Simon Gallieni .” “I wanted to bring something of that order and energy into my painting.”
Before he developed the back-pressure method, Ha’s work often incorporated common industrial materials such as barbed wire or metal springs.”