bash

American  

[bash] / bæʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a crushing or smashing blow.

2. Chiefly British, Canadian. to hurl harsh verbal abuse at.

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noun

1. a crushing blow.

2. Informal. a thoroughly enjoyable, lively party.

idioms

1. on the bash, working as a prostitute.

2. have a bash (at), to attempt; make an attempt.

bash British  

/ bæʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to strike violently or crushingly

2. (tr; often foll by in, down, etc) to smash, break, etc, with a crashing blow

   to bash a door down

3. to crash (into); collide (with)

   to bash into a lamppost

4. to dent or be dented

   this tin is bashed

   this cover won't bash easily

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noun

1. a heavy blow, as from a fist

2. a dent; indentation

3. a party

4. informal to make an attempt

Usage

What does bash mean? Bash means "to strike" something with great force. It's been adopted as slang for hurling insults or verbal abuse at someone. A bash is also an older slang term for "a wild party."

Other Word Forms

• basher noun

Etymology

Origin of bash

First recorded in 1635–45; perhaps of expressive origin

Explanation

To bash is to hit something hard. You might stand up suddenly on a sailboat and bash your head on the mast. Marching band drummers bash their drums with mallets, and terrible drivers bash their bumpers into trees. You can also figuratively bash another person by saying terribly critical things about her. When bash is a noun, it means either "a hard hit or blow," or "a loud, festive party:" "Welcome to my bash! Don't bash your head on the piñata."

Example Sentences

There’s a lot happening—from America’s birthday bash to the World Cup to a total eclipse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

On Wednesday, he became the first player in WBC history to bash three homers in a game during Italy’s win over Mexico.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

But at the Hispanic Republic Club bash, we skeptics might as well been living in a different dimension.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

The typewriter "suits the way that I think as a writer", he adds, and he starts to bash the keys.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

It’s too rough and I bash my cut lip on his collar and say “Ow!” and push him away.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• clobber
• punch
• slam
• slug
• smash
• whack