lash

 
Pronunciation: /laʃ/

verb

  • 1 [with object] strike or beat with a whip or stick: they lashed him repeatedly about the head
  • beat forcefully against: waves lashed the coast
  • (lash someone into) drive someone into (a particular state or condition): fear lashed him into a frenzy
  • 2 [with object] (of an animal) move (a part of the body, especially the tail) quickly and violently: the cat was lashing its tail back and forth
  • [no object] (of a part of an animal’s body) move quickly and violently: the cat’s tail lashed furiously from side to side
  • 3 [with object and adverbial] fasten (something) securely with a cord or rope: the hatch was securely lashed down he lashed the flag to the mast

noun

  • 1a sharp blow or stroke with a whip or rope: he was sentenced to fifty lashes for his crime figurative she felt the lash of my tongue
  • the flexible leather part of a whip, used for administering blows: he brought the lash down upon the prisoner’s back
  • (the lash) punishment in the form of a beating with a whip or rope: they were living under the threat of the lash
  • 2 (usually lashes) an eyelash: she fluttered her long dark lashes

Phrases

be (or go) on the lash

British informal be engaged in (or go on) a heavy drinking session.

Phrasal Verbs

lash down

(of rain) fall very heavily: torrential rain was lashing down

lash out

  • 1hit or kick out at someone or something: the woman had lashed out in fear
  • address someone angrily: in his speech, he lashed out at his enemies
  • 2British spend money extravagantly: I decided to lash out and treat myself let’s lash out on a taxi

Derivatives

lasher

noun

lashless

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'make a sudden movement'): probably imitative