1. having sharp points or hooks that stick out backward
2. deliberately hurtful or cutting in speech or manner

Examples

• The barbed wire fence kept the cattle from wandering off.
• She made a barbed comment about his cooking skills.
• The fishhook had a barbed point to prevent the fish from escaping.
• His barbed wit often made people uncomfortable at parties.
• The rose stem was covered in barbed thorns.
• Her barbed criticism stung more than she intended.
• The barbed arrowhead was designed for hunting large game.