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accoltellare

to stab

verb ahk-kohl-tel-LAH-reh Rare
People & Society Crime

Origin: From coltello ('knife'), from Latin cultellus, diminutive of culter.

Usage Note

Accoltellare specifically means to attack or wound someone with a knife (coltello). It takes avere as auxiliary (lo hanno accoltellato). The noun form accoltellamento ('stabbing') is used in news reports. Do not confuse with pugnalare ('to stab with a dagger'), which implies a longer blade.

Examples

"L'uomo è stato accoltellato per strada."

Natural Translation

The man was stabbed in the street.

Literal Translation

The man is been stabbed on street.

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