bash

1 of 2

verb

ˈbash 

bashed; bashing; bashes

transitive verb

1

: to strike violently : hit

also : to injure or damage by striking : smash

—often used with in

2

: to attack physically or verbally

media bashing

celebrity bashing

intransitive verb

: crash

basher noun

see also:

bash away bash on bash out bash up

bash

2 of 2

noun

1

: a forceful blow

2

: a festive social gathering : party

3

chiefly British : try, attempt

have a bash at it

Synonyms of bash

Verb

• bump
• slam
• bang
• smash
• collide
• hit
• knock
• crash
• ram

Noun

• blow
• slap
• hit
• thump
• punch
• swipe
• knock
• whack
• thud
• poke
• pound
• slam
• bang
• smack
• stroke
• spank
• lick
• beat

Examples of bash in a Sentence

Verb

I bashed my arm against the door.

Someone bashed him over the head with a chair.

They tried to bash the door open.

Noun

We threw her a birthday bash.

She gave me a bash on the head.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Bonta’s move from the deep-blue state of California adds to the political backdrop swirling around big business, particularly Big Media at a time when President Trump himself regularly bashes mainstream entertainment and news outlets. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026

The thin, straight shape of these Western-style utility knives often feels awkward, causing users to bash their knuckles into the counter with each cut or chop motion. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Feb. 2026

Noun

In March as the weather warms, the city comes alive with a series of celebrations, like its three-day film festival, Maryland Day events, and even a bash to ring in the spring equinox. —Katie Riley, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

While Blippi and Meekah have plans to throw a surprise bash, Cat has already orchestrated a whimsical scavenger hunt just for them. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

Noun

noun derivative of bash entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1744, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bash

• bash away
• bash on
• bash out
• bash up
• beat/bash someone's brains out/in
• have a bash

Rhymes for bash

• ash
• brash
• cache
• cash
• clash
• crash
• dash
• flash
• gash
• hash
• lash
• mash

Kids Definition

bash

verb

ˈbash

1

: to strike violently : beat

2

: to smash by a blow

3

: crash entry 1 sense 1a