lash out

British  

verb

1. to burst into or resort to verbal or physical attack

2. informal to be extravagant, as in spending

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lash out Idioms  

1. Make a sudden blow or fierce verbal attack. For example, The mule lashed out with its hind legs, or After listening to Dad's criticism of his driving, Arthur lashed out at him. [Second half of 1500s]

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Example Sentences

When powerful industries "lash out like this", Ahmed said, "it is the sound of a system under pressure."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

And this has made her really relatable, having her son lash out at her like this so publicly.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

But somehow, many of us cannot get over regret, resentment, or anger, and we lash out, causing harm to those who least deserve it.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025

The reality check sees Crane lash out, dismissing their project as “not a real thing”, only for Oosterveen’s frustrations to boil over.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2024

One gloved hand still clutched the rusty iron longsword he had taken from the crypts below Winterfell, and from time to time he would lash out at a branch, knocking loose a spray of snow.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• flash
• roar
• yell