What does the word “Lash” mean in English?

One of the interesting words in English is “lash” [læʃ]. The word “lash” can be used as both a noun and a verb with several meanings. As a noun, it can mean a whip, a thong, or an eyelash. For example:

• “The prisoner was given 20 lashes.”
• “She had long, curling lashes.”

“Lash” is also frequently used as a verb, in which case it means to strike with a whip or to bind or secure something tightly. “Lash” belongs to the group of regular verbs, so the past tense and past participle are formed by adding -ed (lashed). In the third person singular present tense, -es is added (lashes). For example:

• “The farmer lashed the horse to make it move faster.”
• “He lashed the luggage to the roof of the car.”

Phrasal verbs with “lash” are formed by combining “lash” with prepositions or adverbs, giving it new meanings. Let’s look at some of the most common phrasal verbs with “lash” in English.

TOP 20 phrasal verbs with “lash” in English

1. Lash out:
   • Meaning: To suddenly express anger or criticism.
   • Example: She lashed out at her brother for breaking her favorite mug.
2. Lash into:
   • Meaning: To attack or criticize someone or something vigorously.
   • Example: The manager lashed into the team for their poor performance.
3. Lash together:
   • Meaning: To fasten or tie things together using lashings.
   • Example: They lashed together the branches to build a shelter.
4. Lash down:
   • Meaning: To secure something firmly in place, especially against strong winds.
   • Meaning: Fall heavily (rain).
   • Example: We need to lash down the furniture before the storm hits.
   • Example: The rain was lashing down all day and the roads were flooded.
5. Lash out on/upon:
   • Meaning: To direct anger or criticism towards someone or something.
   • Meaning: Spend a lot of money buying something
   • Example: He lashed out on his sister for ruining his plans.
   • Example: I lashed out a lot on a new car.
6. Lash out against:
   • Meaning: To express anger or opposition towards something.
   • Example: The citizens lashed out against the government’s decision.
7. Lash onto:
   • Meaning: To grab onto something tightly or eagerly.
   • Example: He lashed onto the opportunity to prove himself.
8. Lash out from:
   • Meaning: To suddenly emerge or release with force.
   • Example: The snake lashed out from its hiding place.
9. Lash in:
   • Meaning: To mix or combine ingredients vigorously.
   • Example: She lashed in the eggs with the flour to make the dough.
10. Lash back:
    • Meaning: To retaliate or respond strongly to an attack or criticism.
    • Example: The candidate lashed back at his opponent’s accusations.
11. Lash out for:
    • Meaning: To make a sudden, impulsive purchase.
    • Example: She lashed out for a new dress she saw in the store.
12. Lash onto:
    • Meaning: To cling onto someone or something.
    • Example: The child lashed onto his mother’s leg in fear.
13. Lash up:
    • Meaning: To create or construct something quickly and haphazardly.
    • Example: They lashed up a shelter using whatever materials they could find.
14. Lash down on:
    • Meaning: To severely criticize or reprimand someone.
    • Example: The boss lashed down on the employee for repeated mistakes.
15. Lash across:
    • Meaning: To move swiftly across a surface with force.
    • Example: The wind lashed across the fields, bending the grass.
16. Lash around:
    • Meaning: To move or flail about violently.
    • Example: The injured animal lashed around in pain.
17. Lash on to:
    • Meaning: To become attached or fixated on something.
    • Example: He lashed on to the idea of traveling the world.
18. Lash out from under:
    • Meaning: To suddenly emerge from hiding with aggression.
    • Example: The cat lashed out from under the bed when it felt threatened.
19. Lash onto/onto:
    • Meaning: To become overly attached or dependent on something.
    • Example: She lashed onto him for emotional support.
20. Lash off:
    • Meaning: To remove or detach something forcefully.
    • Example: He lashed off the old paint before applying a new coat.

Thus, the word “lash” is multifaceted and can be used as both a noun and a verb. However, the most interesting aspect is the numerous phrasal verbs formed by combining “lash” with various prepositions and adverbs. Knowledge of the phrasal verbs with “lash” is important for fully understanding the English language and enriching one’s vocabulary.