verb, flung, fling⋅ing, noun | 1. | to throw, cast, or hurl with force or violence: to fling a stone. |
| 2. | to move (oneself) violently with impatience, contempt, or the like: She flung herself angrily from the room. |
| 3. | to put suddenly or violently: to fling a suspect into jail. |
| 4. | to project or speak sharply, curtly, or forcefully: He flung his answer at the questioner. |
| 5. | to involve (oneself) vigorously in an undertaking. |
| 6. | to move, do, or say (something) quickly: to fling a greeting in passing. |
| 7. | to send suddenly and rapidly: to fling fresh troops into a battle. |
| 8. | to throw aside or off. |
| 9. | to throw to the ground, as in wrestling or horseback riding. |
| 10. | to move with haste or violence; rush; dash. |
| 11. | to fly into violent and irregular motions, as a horse; throw the body about, as a person. |
| 12. | to speak harshly or abusively (usually fol. by out): He flung out disgustedly against the whole human race. |
| 13. | an act of flinging. |
| 14. | a short period of unrestrained pursuit of one's wishes or desires: The week of partying was my last fling before starting a new job. |
| 15. | an attempt at something: He took a fling at playwriting. |
| 16. | a critical or contemptuous remark; gibe. |
| 17. | Also called Highland fling. a lively Scottish dance characterized by flinging movements of the arms and legs. |

highland fling
national dance of Scotland. A vigorous dance requiring delicate balance and precision, it was probably originally a victory dance for a solo male dancer, performed after battle. It is performed in 44 time and consists of a series of intricate steps performed on one spot. Especially characteristic is a light step in which the dancer hops on one foot while moving the other foot in front of and in back of the calf. The dance is regularly performed in competition at the Highland Games held throughout Scotland.
Learn more about highland fling with a free trial on Britannica.com.