lash

verb (1)

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\ ˈlash

lashed; lashing; lashes

Definition of lash

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

1a : 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

2a : to assail with stinging words

b : drive, whip lashed them into a fury with his fiery speech

lash

noun

Definition of lash (Entry 2 of 3)

1a(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

lash

verb (2)

lashed; lashing; lashes

Definition of lash (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: to bind with or as if with a line

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lash

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Examples of lash in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Many homeowners have been left reeling as devastating winter storms lash the nation. — Nerd Wallet, oregonlive, "How to get the most home insurance help after a winter storm," 22 Feb. 2021 During their on-screen argument, the couple also lash out at Hollywood and the hypocrisy of the movie business. — Mark Kennedy, Star Tribune, "'Malcolm & Marie' director reveals origins of buzzy film," 4 Feb. 2021 It’s this urge among strangers online to lash out and threaten scientists that concerns Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, even more than the public’s disregard for science. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Makes you ask why the hell we even bother.’ Infectious disease experts face disillusionment as COVID-19 pandemic worsens," 4 Dec. 2020 Lil Wayne is the latest star to lash out against the Recording Academy following shocking Grammy nomination snubs. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "Lil Wayne questions why he wasn't invited to the Grammys: 'Am I not worthy?'," 22 Dec. 2020 The teen was initially compliant as officers tried to detain him but then began to lash out, officials said. — Katie Mettler, Washington Post, "Prince George’s teen dies in police custody after stabbing himself in the neck, authorities say," 2 Nov. 2020 Authorities have long been alerted to instances of people using their own Instagram or social media accounts to lash out at witnesses, but the current pages operate as a clearinghouse of sorts. — Phillip Jackson, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore already had a witness intimidation problem. Now it’s moved to extortion accounts on Instagram.," 25 Nov. 2020 While most manage to check the temptation to use the children to lash out at an ex, a subset doesn’t. — Barbara Bradley Hagerty, The Atlantic, "Can Children Be Persuaded to Love a Parent They Hate?," 24 Nov. 2020 The Republicans’ silence underlines the extent to which Trump’s loyal supporters form a large and active part of the GOP base, making any criticism politically risky, especially given Trump’s willingness to lash out at detractors. — Anchorage Daily News, "Most Republicans greet Trump’s push to overturn the election with a customary response: Silence," 21 Nov. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Some claimed lash lift-like effects, while others promised definition at a lower cost than my favourite tub of Ben & Jerry's. — Thatiana Diaz, refinery29.com, "I Tried The Buzziest New Mascaras — & This £3.50 One Was My Favourite," 28 Aug. 2020 Perkins was dressed in a chartreuse mock neck top, with matching chartreuse dangling crystal earrings and thickish lines of cobalt drawn on her upper lash line. — Melissa Gira Grant, The New Republic, "QAnon and the Cultification of the American Right," 1 Feb. 2021 Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara promises to define every lash for noticeable length and 10 times the volume. — Marci Robin, Allure, "CoverGirl Is Launching a Clean Version of Its Beloved Lash Blast Mascara," 16 Nov. 2020 Your lash tech should have a similar ventilation system, keep their windows and doors open, or better yet, operate outside. — Sydney Clarke, refinery29.com, "Is It Safe To Get Eyelash Extensions During COVID-19?," 11 Nov. 2020 The Jack, a super-subtle lash designed to enhance, not overpower. — Jessica Matlin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jenna Lyons Just Launched False Lash Brand Loveseen," 22 Sep. 2020 It’s not solely Republicans who find themselves on the wrong end of Trump’s lash and goad. — Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner, "Leader of the opposition," 17 Dec. 2020 The hourglass brush is specially designed to coat every lash from root to tip, no lashes left behind. — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, "Uoma Drama Bomb Mascara Actually Makes Short, Stubby Lashes Look Long," 8 Oct. 2020 The United States is far from the only country feeling the lash of official and public anger from China. — Chris Buckley, New York Times, "China’s Combative Nationalists See a World Turning Their Way," 14 Dec. 2020

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.