Stink vs. Sting — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Stink refers to a strong, unpleasant smell, while sting involves a sharp pain or sensation as from an insect bite or a pointed object.
Difference Between Stink and Sting
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Stink is primarily associated with a bad odor, often resulting from decay, chemicals, or other sources that evoke a strong, negative sensory response. Whereas, sting is related to a physical sensation of sharp pain, typically caused by the injection of venom or irritation from plants or animals.
The term "stink" can be used both literally, such as the stink of rotten food, and metaphorically, such as something being amiss or 'stinking' of corruption. On the other hand, sting is used literally in most contexts, describing the immediate pain from interactions with insects like bees or wasps, or plants like nettles.
Stink does not usually imply physical harm but is more about discomfort due to foul smells that can be pervasive and lingering. Conversely, a sting not only causes immediate pain but can also lead to reactions ranging from minor irritation to severe allergic responses.
The sources of stink are varied, including biological decay, industrial activities, or poor hygiene. Whereas, stings are specifically from living organisms, such as insects, certain types of plants, or sea creatures like jellyfish.
In terms of remediation, getting rid of a stink may involve cleaning, deodorizing, or ventilating the affected area. In contrast, treating a sting often requires first aid measures such as removing the stinger, applying ice, or using medication to alleviate pain and prevent infection.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
An unpleasant smell.
A sharp pain or sensation.
Cause
Decay, chemicals, poor hygiene.
Insect bites, plant thorns, venom.
Physical effect
Discomfort due to smell.
Immediate physical pain, potential reactions.
Common sources
Garbage, sewage, spoiled food.
Bees, wasps, nettles, jellyfish.
Remediation
Cleaning, deodorizing, ventilating.
Removing stinger, applying ice, medication.
Compare with Definitions
Stink
Can describe a failure or flop.
The movie was a stink at the box office.
Sting
Reaction can be both localized or systemic.
The jellyfish sting caused swelling and a rash.
Stink
Unpleasant olfactory sensation.
The stink of the garbage made it hard to stay in the room.
Sting
Sharp pain caused by an insect or plant.
She felt a sting when the bee landed on her arm.
Stink
Result of biological decay.
There’s a distinct stink coming from the expired meat.
Sting
Often involves treatment to alleviate symptoms.
After the wasp sting, he applied antihistamine cream.
Stink
Metaphor for suspicion or corruption.
The deal had a stink of dishonesty around it.
Sting
Immediate physical reaction to a puncture.
The sting of the needle was brief but intense.
Stink
Associated with lack of cleanliness.
His room had a stink because he never cleaned it.
Sting
Used to describe a biting or incisive effect.
His words carried a sting that was hard to ignore.
Stink
To emit a strong foul odor
The basement stinks of mildew.
Sting
To pierce or wound painfully with a sharp-pointed structure or organ, as that of certain insects.
Stink
To be of an extremely low or bad quality
These golf clubs stink.
Sting
To cause to feel a sharp, smarting pain
Smoke stinging our eyes.
Stink
To be in extremely bad repute
His name has stunk ever since that scandal.
Sting
To cause to suffer keenly in the mind or feelings
Those harsh words stung me.
Stink
To be morally offensive or have the appearance of dishonesty or corruption
Something about her testimony stinks.
Sting
To spur on or stimulate by sharp irritation
"A meaningless retort.
The kind someone is stung into making out of sheer exasperation" (Paul Scott).
Stink
To have something to an extreme or offensive degree
A family that is stinking with money.
An act that stinks of jealousy.
Sting
(Slang) To cheat or overcharge.
Stink
To cause to stink
Garbage that stinks up the yard.
Sting
To have, use, or wound with a sharp-pointed structure or organ
Do all bees sting?.
Stink
A strong offensive odor; a stench.
Sting
To cause a sharp, smarting pain
The needle will sting a little.
Stink
(intransitive) To have a strong bad smell.
Sting
The act of stinging.
Stink
To be greatly inferior; to perform badly.
That movie stinks. I didn't even stay for the end.
Sting
The wound or pain caused by stinging.
Stink
(intransitive) To give an impression of dishonesty, untruth, or sin.
Something stinks about the politician's excuses.
Sting
A sharp, piercing organ or part, often ejecting a venomous secretion, as the modified ovipositor of a bee or wasp or the spine of certain fishes.
Stink
(transitive) To cause to stink; to affect by a stink.
Sting
A hurtful quality or power
The sting of rejection.
Stink
A strong bad smell.
Sting
A keen stimulus or incitement; a goad or spur
The sting of curiosity.
Stink
(informal) A complaint or objection.
If you don't make a stink about the problem, nothing will be done.
Sting
(Slang) A confidence game, especially one implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals.
Stink
Bad; inferior; worthless.
The concert was stink. / That was a stink concert.
Sting
A bump left on the skin after having been stung.
Look at this nasty hornet sting: it's turned blue!
Stink
Bad-smelling, stinky.
Sting
A puncture made by an insect or arachnid in an attack, usually including the injection of venom.
She died from a bee sting.
Stink
To emit a strong, offensive smell; to send out a disgusting odor.
Sting
A pointed portion of an insect or arachnid used for attack.
Stink
To cause to stink; to affect by a stink.
Sting
A sharp, localised pain primarily on the epidermis
That plant will give a little sting if you touch it.
Stink
A strong, offensive smell; a disgusting odor; a stench.
Sting
(botany) A sharp-pointed hollow hair seated on a gland which secretes an acrid fluid, as in nettles.
Stink
A distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
Sting
The thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging; a wound inflicted by stinging.
Stink
Be extremely bad in quality or in one's performance;
This term paper stinks!
Sting
(law enforcement) A police operation in which the police pretend to be criminals in order to catch a criminal.
The criminal gang was caught after a successful sting.
Stink
Smell badly and offensively;
The building reeks of smoke
Sting
A short percussive phrase played by a drummer to accent the punchline in a comedy show.
Sting
A brief sequence of music used in films, TV, and video games as a form of scenic punctuation or to identify the broadcasting station.
Sting
A support for a wind tunnel model which extends parallel to the air flow.
Sting
(figurative) The harmful or painful part of something.
Sting
A goad; incitement.
Sting
The concluding point of an epigram or other sarcastic saying.
Sting
(ambitransitive) To hurt, usually by introducing poison or a sharp point, or both.
An adder came out of a little heathbush, and it stung a man in the foot.
Sting
To puncture with the stinger.
A mosquito stung me on the arm.
Sting
To hurt, to be in pain (physically or emotionally).
My hand stings after knocking on the door so long.
Still, it stung when a slightly older acquaintance asked me why I couldn't do any better.
Sting
(figurative) To cause harm or pain to.
I thought I could park in front of the hotel, but they stung me for five pounds!
Sting
Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal sting of a scorpion. The sting of a bee or wasp is a modified ovipositor. The caudal sting, or spine, of a sting ray is a modified dorsal fin ray. The term is sometimes applied to the fang of a serpent. See Illust. of Scorpion.
Sting
A sharp-pointed hollow hair seated on a gland which secrets an acrid fluid, as in nettles. The points of these hairs usually break off in the wound, and the acrid fluid is pressed into it.
Sting
Anything that gives acute pain, bodily or mental; as, the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.
The sting of death is sin.
Sting
The thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging; a wound inflicted by stinging.
Sting
A goad; incitement.
Sting
The point of an epigram or other sarcastic saying.
Sting
To pierce or wound with a sting; as, bees will sting an animal that irritates them; the nettles stung his hands.
Sting
To pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse; to bite.
Sting
To goad; to incite, as by taunts or reproaches.
Sting
A kind of pain; something as sudden and painful as being stung;
The sting of death
He felt the stinging of nettles
Sting
A mental pain or distress;
A pang of conscience
Sting
A painful wound caused by the thrust of an insect's stinger into skin
Sting
A swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
Sting
Cause a sharp or stinging pain or discomfort;
The sun burned his face
Sting
Deliver a sting to;
A bee stung my arm yesterday
Sting
Saddle with something disagreeable or disadvantageous;
They stuck me with the dinner bill
I was stung with a huge tax bill
Sting
Cause a stinging pain;
The needle pricked his skin
Sting
Cause an emotional pain, as if by stinging;
His remark stung her
Common Curiosities
Are all stings dangerous?
Not all, but some stings can lead to severe allergic reactions requiring medical attention.
What causes something to stink?
Decay, chemicals, and poor hygiene are common causes.
How is a sting treated?
Treatment may involve removing the stinger, using ice packs, and applying anti-inflammatory creams.
Can stinks have psychological effects?
Yes, persistent bad odors can lead to distress or discomfort.
Can a stink be harmful?
While generally not physically harmful, strong stinks can cause nausea or headaches.
How do you remove a stink?
Cleaning, deodorizing, and ventilating the area are effective methods.
Is stink ever used in a positive context?
Rarely, as it generally implies something unpleasant.
Can stings have long-term effects?
In some cases, stings can cause long-term effects.
What does a sting feel like?
It feels like a sharp, sudden pain often with a burning sensation.
What wildlife is commonly associated with stings?
Bees, wasps, and jellyfish are known for painful stings.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Viss vs. Kilogram
Next Comparison
Capsid vs. EnvelopeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
