lashing

¹

[ lash-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that lashes.
2. a whipping with or as if with a lash.
3. a severe scolding; tongue-lashing.
4. Usually lash·ings []. Chiefly British Informal. a large amount; an abundance (usually followed by of ):

   strawberries with lashings of cream;

   scallops with a lashing of olive oil.

lashing

²

[ lash-ing ]

noun

1. a binding or fastening with a rope or the like.
2. the rope or the like used.

lashing

¹

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

1. a whipping; flogging
2. a scolding
3. informal.
   pluralusually foll byof large amounts; lots

lashing

²

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

1. rope, cord, etc, used for binding or securing

Word History and Origins

Origin of lashing¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, and in 1820–30 lashing ¹fordef 4; from Middle English lasshyng, lashynge; lash ¹, -ing ¹; lashing ¹def 4 developed from the sense “to spend money lavishly or foolishly”

Origin of lashing²

First recorded in 1660–70; lash ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

A “crazy cycle” ensued, LaPaglia said, with Bryan lashing out and then begging her to stay.

From Los Angeles Times

Abcarian sympathized with readers lashing out at the paper’s ownership.

From Los Angeles Times

I told them that to be friends moving forward, I needed them to promise not to intentionally hurt me in the future and to communicate if they were feeling anxious or insecure rather than lashing out.

From Los Angeles Times

But that’s also Trump’s appeal: What looks to some like a weak man lashing out and whining to others looks like a tough guy putting one of those pompous reporters in their place.

From Salon

Multiple tornadoes have been reported across Florida as Hurricane Milton started lashing the state.

From BBC