How would you describe a stab wound?

A stab wound is primarily characterized by its depth rather than its length. Stab wounds arise from a sharp object piercing the skin and tissues, often resulting in a deeper penetration that may affect underlying structures such as muscles, organs, and blood vessels. This makes the depth of the wound a critical factor in assessing injury severity and potential complications.

The nature of a stab wound, being deeper and potentially damaging internal organs, contributes to the higher risk of severe outcomes, including significant bleeding or injury to vital structures, which is not necessarily indicated by the wound's length. In contrast, stab wounds are not characterized by an inherently lethal nature, as the lethality can vary widely depending on the location and depth of the injury. Similarly, they are not typically described as shallow or non-penetrating; rather, they are defined by their capacity for deep penetration and the associated risks that arise from such injuries.