barbed

• Describe algo que tiene púas o puntas afiladas, o un comentario que es deliberadamente hiriente o crítico.

Describes something that is sharp and pointed, or a remark that is deliberately hurtful or critical.

1. Sharp and hurtfulB2formal

   Designed to cause emotional pain or offense; cutting or sarcastic in tone.

   Mordaz, hiriente

   • She made a barbed comment about his lack of effort.
   • His barbed remarks during the debate offended many listeners.
   • The article contained several barbed criticisms of the government.

   Sinónimosacridcausticcuttinghurtfulsarcasticscathingsharpviciouswounding

   Antónimosbenevolentgentlekindmildpleasantsoothing

2. Having sharp pointsB1formal

   Covered with or having sharp projections, such as spikes, thorns, or hooks, often for protection.

   Con púas o espinas

   • The barbed wire fence kept the animals inside the field.
   • Cacti are covered in barbed spines to deter predators.
   • He carefully avoided the barbed thorns on the rose bush.

   Sinónimospointedpricklysharpspikyspinythorny

   Antónimosbluntdullsmooth

• Proveer de barbas o púas, o hacer un comentario mordaz o crítico.

A verb meaning to provide with a barb or barbs, or to make a sharp, critical remark.

1. To provide with barbsC1formal

   To fit or equip something with sharp projections or points.

   proveer de púas

   • The blacksmith barbed the arrowheads for hunting.
   • They barbed the wire to prevent animals from escaping.
   • The craftsman carefully barbed the spear tip.

2. To make a sharp or critical remarkC1informal

   To direct a cutting or sarcastic comment at someone.

   soltar un comentario punzante

   • She barbed him with a sarcastic comment about his work.
   • The politician barbed his opponent during the debate.
   • He barbed his friend for being late again.

   Sinónimosgibeinsultmockneedleprovokesneersnipetaunt