lash
/læʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /læʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlash/ (ame, mw)
lash — verb
1. to hit someone or something hard using sudden, strong force — for example, rain
to hit someone or something hard using sudden, strong force — for example, rain battering a window, wind thrashing a surface, or someone making an animal move by using a whip.
The storm lashed the coast with powerful waves all night.
passive: be lashed by wind/waves/rain
Hoa lashed the horse gently with the reins to get it moving.
Heavy rain lashed against the windows of the old cottage.
The lion lashed its tail back and forth before it attacked.
文法句型
lash + object (person/animal/thing)
lash + preposition (at/against)
用法筆記
When used intransitively, it is usually followed by 'at' or 'against' (for wind, rain, waves). When transitive, the object is the target receiving the blow (person, animal, or surface). Distinguish from sense 2 (CRITICIZE SEVERELY), which uses the same verb but applies to words, not physical force.
常見錯誤
2. to attack someone or something with very harsh, angry words, often in a public o
to attack someone or something with very harsh, angry words, often in a public or official setting — for example, a politician criticising a policy or a journalist condemning a decision.
The newspaper column lashed the government for its slow response.
lash + for + reason: criticise because of something
Shirin lashed her colleague for taking credit on the group project.
Patient groups lashed the hospital's decision to cut weekend services.
The senator lashed out at reporters who questioned his record.
文法句型
lash + object (person/institution/decision)
lash out at + object
用法筆記
Common in journalism and political commentary. The phrasal verb 'lash out' (followed by 'at') is more frequent in everyday spoken English. When you lash out, the criticism is sudden and emotionally charged, whereas 'lash' alone can describe a more deliberate public attack.
常見錯誤
3. to fasten something firmly in position by wrapping ropes, chains, or straps arou
to fasten something firmly in position by wrapping ropes, chains, or straps around it — for example, tying luggage to a roof rack or securing cargo on a ship.
The sailors lashed the lifeboat to the deck before the storm.
lash + object + to + surface: secure something in place
Reuben lashed the camping gear together with strong nylon rope.
The wooden planks were lashed tightly to the side of the truck.
Workers lashed the scaffolding poles together with metal clamps.
文法句型
lash + object + to + object
lash + object + together/down
用法筆記
Frequently used in passive constructions ('was lashed to'). Distinct from sense 1 (HIT WITH FORCE) — this sense involves binding, not striking. Common in nautical (ship cargo), outdoor (camping gear), and construction contexts. The object is usually something that might otherwise move or fall.
常見錯誤
lash — noun
1. each of the tiny curved hairs that line the outer edge of the eyelid, shielding
each of the tiny curved hairs that line the outer edge of the eyelid, shielding the eye from dust and often darkened with makeup to enhance appearance
Zola brushed mascara onto her upper lashes before the party.
collocation: upper lashes / lower lashes
The dust got caught in her long lashes as she walked through the old barn.
Emily blinked, and a single tear clung to her lower lash.
Aylin noticed a loose eyelash on her friend's cheek and gently blew it away.
- eyelash
the full form; lash is the shortened equivalent
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural ('lashes') when referring to the set of hairs on the eyelid. 'Eyelash' and 'lash' are fully interchangeable in this sense, but 'lash' alone is more common in casual speech and beauty contexts (e.g., 'mascara for lashes').
2. the leather tip of a whip that makes a cracking sound, or a strike delivered usi
the leather tip of a whip that makes a cracking sound, or a strike delivered using a whip, especially as a formal judicial penalty
The prisoner was sentenced to receive twenty lashes for the crime.
countable: [number] + lashes = [number] + whip strikes
The showman cracked his lash to make the crowd step back.
In eighteenth-century London, a convicted thief named Tunde was sentenced to twenty lashes at the public whipping post.
A single lash from the bullwhip left a red mark on the wooden post.
用法筆記
The singular form 'the lash' can refer to whipping as a type of punishment in general ('sentenced to the lash'). As a countable noun, 'a lash' means one stroke from a whip. This sense is now mostly historical or legal in tone.
常見錯誤
3. a sudden, powerful swinging or whipping motion of something long and flexible, s
a sudden, powerful swinging or whipping motion of something long and flexible, such as an animal's tail or a loose rope
The tiger's tail moved in a quick lash as it watched its prey.
collocation: lash of the tail
With a sudden lash of the rope, the cowboy caught the calf's leg.
The cat's tail gave an angry lash before it darted under the sofa.
A powerful lash of the fishing line sent the hook into the river.
用法筆記
This sense is rarer and more literary. It focuses on the whip-like motion itself rather than a blow. Often appears in nature writing (animal tails) or descriptions of rope/cable movements. The motion is usually quick, sharp, and uncontrolled.