lash
1 Americannoun
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the flexible part of a whip; the section of cord or the like forming the extremity of a whip.
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a swift stroke or blow, with a whip or the like, given as a punishment.
He received 20 lashes.
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something that goads or pains in a manner compared to that of a whip.
the lash of his sharp tongue.
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a swift dashing or sweeping movement, as of an animal's tail; swish.
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a violent beating or impact, as of waves or rain, against something.
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an eyelash.
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Also called neck cord. a cord or a series of cords for lifting the warp in weaving a figured fabric.
verb (used with object)
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to strike or beat, as with a whip or something similarly slender and flexible.
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to beat violently or sharply against.
The rain lashed the trees.
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to drive by or as if by strokes of a whip.
He lashed them on to greater effort.
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to attack, scold, or punish severely with words.
She lashed the students with harsh criticism.
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to dash, fling, or switch suddenly and swiftly.
The crocodile lashed its tail.
verb (used without object)
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to strike vigorously at someone or something, as with a weapon or whip (often followed byout ).
He lashed wildly at his attackers.
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to attack or reprove someone with harsh words (often followed byout ).
to lash out at injustice.
- Synonyms:
- tongue-lash, scold, berate
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to move suddenly and swiftly; rush, dash, or flash.
The coiled snake lashed suddenly.
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Chiefly British. to spend money lavishly or foolishly (usually followed byout ).
verb (used with object)
noun
noun
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a sharp cutting blow from a whip or other flexible object
twenty lashes was his punishment
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the flexible end or ends of a whip
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a cutting or hurtful blow to the feelings, as one caused by ridicule or scolding
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a forceful beating or impact, as of wind, rain, or waves against something
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See eyelash
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informal to make an attempt at or take part in (something)
verb
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to hit (a person or thing) sharply with a whip, rope, etc, esp as a punishment
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(of rain, waves, etc) to beat forcefully against
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to attack with words, ridicule, etc
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to flick or wave sharply to and fro
the restless panther lashed his tail
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to urge or drive with or as if with a whip
to lash the audience into a violent mood
verb
Other Word Forms
- lasher noun
- lashingly adverb
- lashless adjective
Etymology
Origin of lash1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb lashen “to deal a blow; hammer”; noun derivative of the verb; perhaps imitative of the sound
Origin of lash2
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English lasen, lace(n) “to fasten with laces, buckles, or ties,” from Old French lac(i)er, lasser, lachier to lace ( def. )
Origin of LASH3
1960–65; l(ighter) a(board) sh(ip)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I think for me, I know myself, and I don't want to lash out on my team. They're good people. They don't deserve that, and I know I'm emotional," said the 21-year-old.
From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026
The storm began to lash the central and southern parts of the country with snow on Saturday and the Northeast on Sunday.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026
On Wednesday, heavy and incessant rains continued to lash the region, further complicating rescue efforts.
From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025
“Equipped with sharp hooves and antlers, a deer will lash out and defend itself if startled. This happens most often when visitors try to approach or feed them.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025
She could make animal snares and lash together tools or thatching grass.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
