bash

[bash]

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a crushing or smashing blow.

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

noun

1. a crushing blow.

2. Informal.,  a thoroughly enjoyable, lively party.

bash

/ 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

noun

1. a heavy blow, as from a fist

2. a dent; indentation

3. a party

4. informal,  to make an attempt

Other Word Forms

• basher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bash¹

First recorded in 1635–45; perhaps of expressive origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bash¹

C17: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the bash, working as a prostitute.

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

Example Sentences

Alexander-Arnold earned some redemption by his contribution to Madrid's equaliser, earning a corner and then whipping it in for Bellingham to flick into Huijsen's path to bash home.

Read more on Barron's

He wanted to help trapped flies—perhaps he felt the pain of his wings bashing against the inside of the bottle more than most people.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Schoolteachers who bash into our heads that evolution has no rationality often completely ignore the fact that, in the long run, nature’s creations are indistinguishable from rational designs,” the neuroscientist observes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I’m the wall that it bashes against, and I will not be the one that breaks.”

Read more on Salon

Instead, Mr. Carlson excoriated American supporters of Israel, particularly bashing “Christian Zionists” for their “heresy.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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

When To Use

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."