splash

[ splash ]

verb (used with object)

1. to wet or soil by dashing masses or particles of water, mud, or the like; spatter:

   Don't splash her dress!

2. to fall upon (something) in scattered masses or particles, as a liquid does.
3. to cause to appear spattered.
4. to dash (water, mud, etc.) about in scattered masses or particles.
5. to make (one's way) with splashing:

   He splashed his way across the pool.

6. Logging. to move (logs) by releasing a body of water from a splash dam.

verb (used without object)

1. to dash a liquid or semiliquid substance about.
2. to fall, move, or strike with a splash or splashes.
3. (of liquid) to dash with force in scattered masses or particles.

noun

1. the act of splashing.
2. the sound of splashing.
3. a quantity of some liquid or semiliquid substance splashed upon or in a thing.
4. a spot caused by something splashed.
5. a patch, as of color or light.
6. Logging.
   1. the act of splashing logs.
   2. water released, as from a splash dam for splashing logs.
7. a striking show or impression.

   Synonyms: sensation, uproar, impression, ado

verb phrase

1. splashdown.

splash

/ splæʃ /

verb

1. to scatter (liquid) about in blobs; spatter
2. to descend or cause to descend upon in blobs

   he splashed his jacket

3. to make (one's way) by or as if by splashing

   he splashed through the puddle

4. tr to print (a story or photograph) prominently in a newspaper

noun

1. an instance or sound of splashing
2. an amount splashed
3. a patch created by or as if by splashing

   a splash of colour

4. informal.
   an extravagant display, usually for effect (esp in the phrase make a splash )
5. a small amount of soda water, water, etc, added to an alcoholic drink

Other Words From

• splashing·ly adverb
• un·splashed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splash¹

First recorded in 1705–15; perhaps alteration of plash ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of splash¹

C18: alteration of plash ¹

Example Sentences

Cohn's first big splash in national politics took place when he was only 23 years old.

From Salon

Reports about water pressure issues and dry hydrants splashed across the evening news that night with images of smoldering homes in the background.

From Los Angeles Times

Since 2000, millions of people have splashed around in the waters off the California coast, but there have been only 127 shark incidents recorded by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

The nicest, most renovated parks, with the fanciest playgrounds and the coolest splash pads, can be found in the other districts.

From Salon

“People are accustomed to turning on their TV late election night and seeing a winner splashed across the screen,” said Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dash
• sensation