What is the meaning of pricking?

noun

• The act of puncturing with a small point.
  • usage: "he gave the balloon a small prick"
  • synonyms: prick

verb

• Make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn.
  • usage: "The nurse pricked my finger to get a small blood sample"
  • synonyms: prickle, prick
• Cause a stinging pain.
  • usage: "The needle pricked his skin"
  • synonyms: prick, sting, twinge
• Raise.
  • usage: "The dog pricked up his ears"
  • synonyms: prick up, prick, cock up
• Stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick.
  • synonyms: goad, prick
• Cause a prickling sensation.
  • synonyms: prickle, prick
• To cause a sharp emotional pain.
  • usage: "The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience"
  • synonyms: prick
• Deliver a sting to.
  • usage: "A bee stung my arm yesterday"
  • synonyms: sting, bite, prick