lash

verb \ ˈlash \

|Updated on: 25 Jun 2018

Examples: lash in a Sentence

Definition of lash

lashed; lashing; lashes

intransitive verb

1 : to move violently or suddenly : dash

2 : to thrash or beat violently

rain lashed at the windowpanes

3 : to make a verbal attack or retort —usually used with out

transitive verb

1 a : to whip or fling about violently

the big cat lashed its tail about threateningly

b : to strike or beat with or as if with a whip

waves lashed the shore

2 a : to assail with stinging words

b : drive, whip

lashed them into a fury with his fiery speech

—

lasher

noun

Recent Examples of lash from the Web

Others have lashed out in the past using social media.

— chicagotribune.com, "'Sustainably caught' seafood? Nationwide distributor's murky supply chain exposed," 14 June 2018
President Trump’s rationale for lashing out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not add up.

— callum borchers, Washington Post, "Trump’s feud with Justin Trudeau looks like a stunt," 11 June 2018
And his attempts to build bridges with Washington have not curbed Trump's enthusiasm for lashing out at Mexico or ended uncertainty over the future of NAFTA.

— dave graham, The Christian Science Monitor, "Mexico's presidential front-runner seeks common ground with Trump," 11 June 2018
Even normally supportive Conservative MPs, such as Sir Michael Fallon, have lashed out, in the face of growing mailbags of complaints from angry commuters.

— The Economist, "British railways are reduced to chaos by a botched timetable change," 7 June 2018
Catcher Erik Kratz, making his debut with the club, homered with two down off A.J. Ramos, and Yelich later lashed a two-run double to put the Brewers ahead, 10-6.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 17, Mets 6: Offense comes to the rescue in big way with season-high 19 hits," 26 May 2018
Just getting through the day without crippling bouts with depression, without lashing out and hurting himself or others.

— jay reddick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Mauro Ranallo, the voice of combat sports, tells story of bipolar battle," 25 May 2018
Conservatives in Congress also have repeatedly lashed out at the provisions, with the House passing a bill earlier this year that would modify them.

— phil galewitz, Scientific American, "Obamacare Calorie Count Rules Ushered In," 7 May 2018
Here's my proposal for all of us to consider: Instead of lashing out when people make choices or express viewpoints that differ from ours, how about taking a more positive approach?

— molly kimball, NOLA.com, "Are we too judgey about others' food choices? We may be doing more harm than good," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lash.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lash

Middle English

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

lash

noun

Definition of lash

1 a (1) : a stroke with or as if with a whip

(2) : the flexible part of a whip; also : whip

b : punishment by whipping

2 : a beating, whipping, or driving force

3 : a stinging rebuke

4 : eyelash

5 : the clearance or play between adjacent movable mechanical parts

See lash defined for English-language learners

Examples of lash in a Sentence

They gave the sailor 50 lashes for disobeying orders.
The disobedient sailors were threatened with the lash.

Recent Examples of lash from the Web

Just press the stamp onto the outer edge of your eye to create a wing, then use the pointed tip to trace your lash line and connect it.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "This Stamp Eyeliner Is The Coolest, Least-Gimmicky Thing I’ve Ever Tried," 25 May 2018
While the Freedom Caucus is putting McCarthy under the lash and blowing raspberries at Ryan on his way out the door, the other 200 or so Republican members of the House are not sitting so quietly anymore.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "The House is revolting," 25 May 2018
Before sticking them to the upper lash line with Duo Eyelash Glue and tweezers, Nelson laid the groundwork with a blend of matte taupe shadows on her lid.

— erika stalder, refinery29.com, "Kristen Stewart's "Pearl Liner" Hack Will Only Cost You $5," 16 May 2018
Ostriches’ eyeballs are nearly two inches across and bordered by a fan of sweeping lashes, making them the largest eyes of any land animal.

— National Geographic, "The Biggest Bird That Ever Lived and 5 More Bird Superstars," 15 May 2018
But now there's a huge -- people are calling it the tech-lash, as big tech is blamed for everything.

— Fox News, "Lawmakers call for hearings on Facebook data breach," 24 Mar. 2018
Makeup artist Patrick Ta used Grape Pop and Blue Raspberry in the crease, blended Cherry on Top and Blue Raspberry on the lid topped with Cherry Cola, and then pressed Blue Raspberry into the lash line.

— jessica teich, USA TODAY, "10 drugstore makeup products celebrities actually wore to the Met Gala 2018," 8 May 2018
Working with Pat McGrath products, Vincent played up Sasha's bold brows and added the thinnest touch of black liquid eyeliner to her lower and upper lash lines.

— marissa desantis, Teen Vogue, "Sasha Lane Wears Jewel Locs Hairstyle to Met Gala 2018," 7 May 2018
Tiger decided to give the driver a lash on this short par 4 and hit a beautify that finished in the neck just short of the green.

— daniel rapaport, SI.com, "Putting Woes Continue as Tiger Woods Shoots Two-Over 73 on Friday at Wells Fargo," 4 May 2018