fling

¹fling

verb \ˈfliŋ\

flung \ˈfləŋ\ fling·ing \ˈfliŋ-iŋ\

Definition of FLING

intransitive verb

1

: to move in a brusque or headlong manner <flung out of the room in a rage>

2

of an animal : to kick or plunge vigorously

3

Scottish : caper

transitive verb

1

a : to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually <flung herself down on the sofa> <clothes were flung on the floor>

b : to cast as if by throwing <flung off all restraint>

2

: to place or send suddenly and unceremoniously <was arrested and flung into prison>

3

: to give unrestrainedly <flung himself into music>

— fling·er \ˈfliŋ-ər\ noun

Examples of FLING

1. He flung his shoe across the room.
2. She flung the door open and stormed into the room.
3. They flung their hats into the air.
4. She flung herself into his arms.
5. He flung his arms around her.
6. I flung back my head and laughed.
7. He leaned back and flung his leg over the arm of the chair.
8. She flung herself onto the couch.

Origin of FLING

Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flengja to whip

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FLING

Synonyms

cast, catapult, chuck, dash, fire, throw, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, lob, loft, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, toss

Related Words

bowl, dart, flip, gun, hook, pass, roll, shoot; buck, eject, impel, precipitate, project, propel, rifle, thrust

See Synonym Discussion at throw

Rhymes with FLING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, swing, thing, wing, wring, zing

²fling

noun

Definition of FLING

1

: an act or instance of flinging

2

a : a casual try or involvement

b : a casual or brief love affair

3

: a period devoted to self-indulgence

Examples of FLING

1. She had a fling with her boss.
2. They had time for one last fling before going back to school.

First Known Use of FLING

1556

Related to FLING

Synonyms

binge, frisk, frolic, gambol, idyll (also idyl), lark, ploy, revel, rollick, romp, spree

Related Words

caper, escapade, prank; bender, brannigan, bum, bust, carouse, souse, splore [Scottish], toot; antic, monkeyshine(s), shenanigan(s); field day; festivity, merriment, merrymaking; enjoyment, indulgence, pleasure, self-indulgence; amusement, diversion, entertainment, recreation