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

As the rush of East Coast travel wore off, Clave Especial returned to Salinas to throw a huge homecoming bash.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Reportedly, they were also photographed at Brown’s birthday bash last May and several other public events, including Amiri’s showcase during Paris Fashion Week in January.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

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

The prestigious property boasts seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a sophisticated office, and a lavish ballroom built for hosting the bash of Trudeau’s dreams.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 2026

Over meals they talked about plans for a huge wedding in Cleveland Heights—a two-day bash, lots of flowers.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Related Words

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