1 B1 neutral
To suddenly and violently attack someone physically.
"Startled by the noise, the horse lashed out and kicked the stable door."
inseparable
lash out
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To suddenly attack someone physically or verbally, often because of anger, fear, or frustration.
In plain English
To suddenly hit, kick, or say something very mean and angry at someone.
What does "lash out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To suddenly say something very angry or critical to or about someone.
"After weeks of stress, he finally lashed out at his team in a meeting."
“
He lashed out at his critics, calling them 'enemies of the people.'
— Various news headlines, widely attributed in political reporting, 2010s–2020s
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal
(British, informal, dated) To spend a large amount of money, especially as a treat.
"He lashed out on a new suit for the wedding."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A lash is a blow from a whip; 'lashing out' pictures making a sudden, wide striking movement outward.
Actually means
To suddenly hit, kick, or say something very mean and angry at someone.
Usage tip
Very common in both British and American English. Can be physical or verbal. Often followed by 'at': 'lash out at someone'. In British slang, 'lash out' can also mean to spend a lot of money on something, but this sense is now uncommon.
Words that pair with "lash out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
anger frustration critics media opponent pain
How to conjugate "lash out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lash out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lashes out
he/she/it
Past simple
lashed out
yesterday
Past participle
lashed out
have + pp
-ing form
lashing out
continuous
Hear "lash out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "lash out"
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Keep exploring
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