lash

1
[ lash ]
See synonyms for lash on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the flexible part of a whip; the section of cord or the like forming the extremity of a whip.

  2. a swift stroke or blow, with a whip or the like, given as a punishment: He received 20 lashes.

  1. something that goads or pains in a manner compared to that of a whip: the lash of his sharp tongue.

  2. a swift dashing or sweeping movement, as of an animal's tail; swish.

  3. a violent beating or impact, as of waves or rain, against something.

  4. an eyelash.

  5. Also called neck cord . a cord or a series of cords for lifting the warp in weaving a figured fabric.

verb (used with object)
  1. to strike or beat, as with a whip or something similarly slender and flexible.

  2. to beat violently or sharply against: The rain lashed the trees.

  1. to drive by or as if by strokes of a whip: He lashed them on to greater effort.

  2. to attack, scold, or punish severely with words: She lashed the students with harsh criticism.

  3. to dash, fling, or switch suddenly and swiftly: The crocodile lashed its tail.

verb (used without object)
  1. to strike vigorously at someone or something, as with a weapon or whip (often followed by out): He lashed wildly at his attackers.

  2. to attack or reprove someone with harsh words (often followed by out): to lash out at injustice.

  1. to move suddenly and swiftly; rush, dash, or flash:The coiled snake lashed suddenly.

  2. Chiefly British. to spend money lavishly or foolishly (usually followed by out).

Origin of lash

1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb lashen “to deal a blow; hammer”; noun derivative of the verb; perhaps imitative of the sound

Other words for lash

Other words from lash

  • lasher, noun
  • lash·ing·ly, adverb
  • lashless, adjective

Other definitions for lash (2 of 3)

lash2
[ lash ]

verb (used with object)
  1. to bind or fasten with a rope, cord, or the like.

Origin of lash

2
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

Other words for lash

Other words from lash

  • lasher, noun
  • lash·ing·ly, adverb

Other definitions for LASH (3 of 3)

LASH
[ lash ]

noun
  1. an ocean-going vessel equipped with special cranes and holds for lifting and stowing cargo-carrying barges that can be sailed up inland waterways or into port facilities from offshore.

Origin of LASH

3
1960–65; l(ighter)a(board)sh(ip)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use lash in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for lash (1 of 2)

lash1

/ (læʃ) /


noun
  1. a sharp cutting blow from a whip or other flexible object: twenty lashes was his punishment

  2. the flexible end or ends of a whip

  1. a cutting or hurtful blow to the feelings, as one caused by ridicule or scolding

  2. a forceful beating or impact, as of wind, rain, or waves against something

  3. have a lash Australian and NZ informal to make an attempt at or take part in (something)

verb(tr)
  1. to hit (a person or thing) sharply with a whip, rope, etc, esp as a punishment

  2. (of rain, waves, etc) to beat forcefully against

  1. to attack with words, ridicule, etc

  2. to flick or wave sharply to and fro: the restless panther lashed his tail

  3. to urge or drive with or as if with a whip: to lash the audience into a violent mood

Origin of lash

1
C14: perhaps imitative

Derived forms of lash

  • lasher, noun
  • lashingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for lash (2 of 2)

lash2

/ (læʃ) /


verb
  1. (tr) to bind or secure with rope, string, etc

Origin of lash

2
C15: from Old French lachier, ultimately from Latin laqueāre to ensnare, from laqueus noose

Derived forms of lash

  • lasher, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012