lash

I UK [læʃ] / US verb
Word forms "lash":
present tense I/you/we/they lash he/she/it lashes present participle lashing past tense lashed past participle lashed

1) [transitive] to tie something firmly to something else, or to tie two things together firmly using a rope

The fuel tanks were lashed together, upright and side by side.

After lashing the boat to the dock, we ran for shelter from the storm.

2) [transitive] to hit a person or animal with a whip or thin stick, especially as a punishment

He was regularly lashed on the buttocks by his jailers.

a) [intransitive/transitive] to hit something with a very strong force

We could hear the branches lashing the side of the house.

lash at:

Branches lashed at my face.

b) [intransitive/transitive] if the wind or rain lashes something or lashes against something, it blows or falls against it with a very strong force

lash against:

The wind was still strong, and the rain lashed against the roof.

c) [intransitive/transitive] if an animal lashes its tail, or if its tail lashes, it moves its tail fast and violently from side to side, often when it is angry

3) [intransitive/transitive] to criticize someone severely or angrily

He lashed Lucien mercilessly with harsh words.

lash back:

He didn't get angry. He didn't lash back. Instead, he grinned.

4) [transitive] to make a person or group react with a strong emotion such as anger or enthusiasm

lash someone into something:

His stirring words lashed the crowd into wild excitement.

Phrasal verbs:

- lash down

- lash out

II UK [læʃ] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "lash":
singular lash plural lashes

1) a hit with a whip or a thin stick

The court sentenced her to eight years in jail and 500 lashes.

2) a quick violent movement of an animal's tail from side to side, often because it is angry

3) the thin piece of leather forming the main part of a whip

4) [usually plural] an eyelash