Showing definitions for bash

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Slang dictionary results for bash

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

During a nationally televised interview on CNN by Dana Bash on Monday, Porter accused the Steyer campaign of leaking the damaging video.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

“We’ll put together a plan today and we’ll execute tomorrow,” he told CNN’s Dana Bash.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

“You can only control what you can control,” Newsom told CNN host Dana Bash.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

The in-form Smith, Australia's best player against spin, was controversially omitted from the squad despite his blistering Big Bash League form this year as an opening batsman.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Bash the hard toffee against your fangs, that’s the only way.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

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