lash out

/læʃ aʊt/

/læʃ aʊt/

Other forms: lashed out; lashing out; lashes out

When you lash out at someone, you express your anger by saying or writing furious words about them. A writer whose book has been harshly criticized might lash out at the critic.

A politician might lash out at her opponent in a speech, and a journalist might lash out at polluting companies by writing an opinion piece for a newspaper. You can also lash out in a physical way, by kicking or hitting someone in anger — this is the phrase's original meaning, from the verb lash, "to whip."

Definitions of lash out

1. verb

   attack in speech or writing
   synonyms: assail, assault, attack, round, snipe

   types:

   abuse, blackguard, clapperclaw, shout

   use foul or abusive language towards

   claw

   attack as if with claws

   vitriol

   subject to bitter verbal abuse

   rip

   criticize or abuse strongly and violently

   whang

   attack forcefully

   barrage, bombard

   address continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage

   blister, scald, whip

   subject to harsh criticism

   rubbish

   attack strongly

   slang

   abuse with coarse language

   rail, revile, vilify, vituperate

   spread negative information about

   curse

   heap obscenities upon

   type of:

   criticise, criticize, knock, pick apart

   find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws