rash

noun

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\ ˈrash

Definition of rash

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : an eruption on the body

2 : a large number of instances in a short period a rash of complaints

rash

adjective

Definition of rash (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution a rash promise

2 obsolete : quickly effective

rash

adverb

Definition of rash (Entry 3 of 3)

archaic

: in a rash manner

Other Words from rash Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about rash

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Choose the Right Synonym for rash

Adjective

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense. adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence. adventurous pioneers venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings. venturesome stunt pilots daring implies fearlessness in courting danger. daring mountain climbers daredevil stresses ostentation in daring. daredevil motorcyclists rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought. a rash decision reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences. a reckless driver foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense. the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Did You Know?

Adjective

The earliest known uses of "rash" (then spelled "rasch") occur in a northern dialect of 15th-century Middle English. Its earlier origins are not known for sure, though it is clearly related to a number of similar words in the Germanic languages, including Old High German rasc ("fast, hurried, strong, clever"), Old Norse "röskr" ("brave, vigorous"), and Middle Dutch "rasch" ("quick, nimble, agile, vigorous"). It is not, however, related to the English noun "rash" ("an eruption on the body," as in a "skin rash"). The noun "rash," which first appeared in English in the 1700s, comes by way of French and Vulgar Latin from Latin rasus, the past participle of "radere" ("to scrape" or "to shave").

Examples of rash in a Sentence

Noun The baby has a skin rash. The doctor said she developed the rash because of the medicine. I break out in a rash if I eat shellfish. Symptoms of the disease include rash and fever. There has been a rash of robberies in the city this summer. Adjective Their rash actions resulted in a serious accident that could have killed someone. Don't be rash about this decision. Take your time. It was rash of you to make that promise.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Tidewater spotted fever can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, and a rash. — Elyse Kelly, Washington Examiner, "New tick found in Illinois could make people sick," 22 Feb. 2021 Tristan Trout, of Vernal, shared photos of her son’s face, showing a bright red rash around his mouth. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Mask rules in Utah schools would be up to districts and health officials — not the governor — under ‘local control’ bill," 19 Feb. 2021 Such rash actions undermine that effort, said Claire Wardle, U.S. director for First Draft, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating journalists about misinformation, whose own Facebook page was blocked. — Washington Post, "Facebook’s brazen attempt to crush regulations in Australia may backfire," 18 Feb. 2021 But Barcelona has been living on the edge for much of its recent history, a consequence of years of impulsive management, rash decisions and imprudent contracts. — New York Times, "Barcelona and the Crippling Cost of Success," 12 Feb. 2021 Many experts say the 15 to 30 percent range is perfect for protecting against mosquitos while avoiding side effects, such as a skin rash or disorientation. — Outdoor Life Staff, Outdoor Life, "Best Mosquito Repellent: Find the Right Insect Control for You," 11 Jan. 2021 About 181,000 of the Cat & Jack infant-toddler rash guard swimsuits have been recalled for the same reason. — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Target recalls clothes for infants and toddlers over possible choking hazard," 31 Dec. 2020 None, though, ever managed to approach the rash, vicious potential of this one. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Eric Walden: The James Harden situation has quickly devolved from mere selfishness to pure recklessness," 26 Dec. 2020 One worker, described as a middle-aged woman with no previous allergy history, stabilized after treatment Tuesday following a rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing and a skin rash and redness, CBS News reported. — Dom Calicchio, Fox News, "Chicago-area hospital to resume vaccinations after 4 workers experience adverse reactions: report," 19 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective This vagueness is meant to discourage rash moves by Taiwanese politicians and avoid enraging China. — The Economist, "China faces fateful choices, especially involving Taiwan," 20 Feb. 2021 To some election law experts, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene now seemed premature, if not rash. — Mark Sherman, Anchorage Daily News, "Judges in Georgia, Michigan dismiss Trump campaign claims of vote-counting irregularities," 5 Nov. 2020 To some election law experts, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene now seemed premature, if not rash. — Mark Sherman, Anchorage Daily News, "Judges in Georgia, Michigan dismiss Trump campaign claims of vote-counting irregularities," 5 Nov. 2020 Ultimately, Armstrong tells people not to do anything too rash during this moment of exuberance. — Robert Hackett, Fortune, "Coinbase CEO issues a warning to investors about Bitcoin risk," 17 Dec. 2020 To some election law experts, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene now seemed premature, if not rash. — Mark Sherman, Anchorage Daily News, "Judges in Georgia, Michigan dismiss Trump campaign claims of vote-counting irregularities," 5 Nov. 2020 To some election law experts, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene now seemed premature, if not rash. — Mark Sherman, Anchorage Daily News, "Judges in Georgia, Michigan dismiss Trump campaign claims of vote-counting irregularities," 5 Nov. 2020 Another piece of advice that helped Sankey came from Dr. Stella Self, a biostatistician from the University of South Carolina, who warned against making any rash decisions during the pandemic. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "Greg Sankey: Football season has been tough, but finish line is near," 23 Nov. 2020 To some election law experts, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene now seemed premature, if not rash. — Mark Sherman, Anchorage Daily News, "Judges in Georgia, Michigan dismiss Trump campaign claims of vote-counting irregularities," 5 Nov. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb Whatever is causing the left-hander to pitch terribly away from home this season, the Giants need to address this road rash sooner rather than later. — Andrew Baggarly, The Mercury News, "Matt Moore implodes, Giants crushed 13-5 at Dodger Stadium," 2 May 2017

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

History and Etymology for rash

Noun

probably borrowed from 17th-century French rache, rasche, going back to Middle French raiche "tinea," noun derivative of racher "to chisel, groove (metal)" (probably also "to scrape, scratch," senses attested in Romance cognates), going back to Vulgar Latin *rāsicāre, verb derivative from Latin rās-, participial and nominal stem of rādere "to scrape, scratch, shave" — more at rase

Adverb

Middle English (northern dialect) rasch quickly; akin to Old High German rasc fast

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