lash
1
(l
sh)
KEY
NOUN:
-
- A stroke or blow with or as if with a whip.
- A whip.
- The flexible portion of a whip, such as a plait or thong.
- Punishment administered with a whip.
-
- A lacerating presence or power:
the lash of conscience.
- A caustic verbal attack.
- An eyelash.
VERB:
lashed
,
lash·ing
,
lash·es
VERB:
tr.
- To strike with or as if with a whip.
- To strike against with force or violence:
sleet lashing the roof.
- To beat or swing rapidly:
The alligator lashed its tail in the water.
- To make a scathing oral or written attack against.
- To drive or goad; sting:
words that lashed them into action.
VERB:
intr.
- To move swiftly or violently; thrash:
heard the snake lashing about in the leaves.
-
- To aim a sudden blow; strike:
The mule lashed out with its hind legs.
- To beat; flail:
waves lashing at the shore.
- To make a scathing verbal or written attack. Often used with out:
lashed out at her critics during the interview.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, probably from
lashen,
to deal a blow,
perhaps of imitative origin
OTHER FORMS:
lash
er
(Noun)
