1
[ verb ] apply (usually a liquid) to a surface

Synonyms

swob swab

Examples

"dab the wall with paint"

Used in print

(Cordwainer Smith, "A Planet Named Shayol,"...)

He saw the child-face grimace as the head was cut ; he felt the far , cool flash of unimportant pain , as B ' dikkat dabbed the wound with a corrosive antiseptic which stopped all bleeding immediately .

(Cliff Farrell, Trail of the Tattered Star....)

She clung_to him , talking to him , and dabbing at her eyes .

Related terms

put_on swab

2
[ noun ] a light touch or stroke

Synonyms

pat tap

Related terms

touch chuck tap tap

3
[ verb ] hit lightly

Synonyms

pat

Examples

"pat him on the shoulder"

Used in print

(Edwin Booth, Outlaw Town....)

`` It was Brenner 's idea '' , Jess mumbled , dabbing at his nose .

Related terms

strike pat

4
[ noun ] a small quantity of something moist or soft

Synonyms

splatter splash

Examples

"a dab of paint" "a splatter of mud"

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