lash
1 Americannoun
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the flexible part of a whip; the section of cord or the like forming the extremity of a whip.
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a swift stroke or blow, with a whip or the like, given as a punishment.
He received 20 lashes.
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something that goads or pains in a manner compared to that of a whip.
the lash of his sharp tongue.
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a swift dashing or sweeping movement, as of an animal's tail; swish.
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a violent beating or impact, as of waves or rain, against something.
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an eyelash.
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Also called neck cord. a cord or a series of cords for lifting the warp in weaving a figured fabric.
verb (used with object)
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to strike or beat, as with a whip or something similarly slender and flexible.
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to beat violently or sharply against.
The rain lashed the trees.
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to drive by or as if by strokes of a whip.
He lashed them on to greater effort.
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to attack, scold, or punish severely with words.
She lashed the students with harsh criticism.
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to dash, fling, or switch suddenly and swiftly.
The crocodile lashed its tail.
verb (used without object)
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to strike vigorously at someone or something, as with a weapon or whip (often followed byout ).
He lashed wildly at his attackers.
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to attack or reprove someone with harsh words (often followed byout ).
to lash out at injustice.
- Synonyms:
- tongue-lash, scold, berate
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to move suddenly and swiftly; rush, dash, or flash.
The coiled snake lashed suddenly.
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Chiefly British. to spend money lavishly or foolishly (usually followed byout ).
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
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a sharp cutting blow from a whip or other flexible object
twenty lashes was his punishment
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the flexible end or ends of a whip
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a cutting or hurtful blow to the feelings, as one caused by ridicule or scolding
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a forceful beating or impact, as of wind, rain, or waves against something
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See eyelash
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informal to make an attempt at or take part in (something)
verb
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to hit (a person or thing) sharply with a whip, rope, etc, esp as a punishment
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(of rain, waves, etc) to beat forcefully against
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to attack with words, ridicule, etc
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to flick or wave sharply to and fro
the restless panther lashed his tail
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to urge or drive with or as if with a whip
to lash the audience into a violent mood
verb
Other Word Forms
- lasher noun
- lashingly adverb
- lashless adjective
Etymology
Origin of lash1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb lashen “to deal a blow; hammer”; noun derivative of the verb; perhaps imitative of the sound
Origin of lash2
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English lasen, lace(n) “to fasten with laces, buckles, or ties,” from Old French lac(i)er, lasser, lachier to lace ( def. )
Origin of LASH3
1960–65; l(ighter) a(board) sh(ip)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On Wednesday night residents received yet another alert on their cellphones as rain lashed the region.
From Barron's
Here are the terms they lashed out at, and why they find them so offensive.
The men tied jumpers around their necks and the women did not get glammed up for a night out, unlike Jade in her high heels and fake lashes.
From BBC
Yoon lashed the court's verdict as "difficult to accept" -- but did not give any indication as to whether he would appeal.
From Barron's
The camera often seems to be right under his chin, gazing as the sweat on his cheeks and lashes shimmers under the Vegas lights like diamonds.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
