lash
lash Lexical Profile
lash Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of the short, curved hairs growing along the edges of the eyelids that protect the eyes from dust and debris; an eyelash.
"She blinked rapidly to clear a stray grain of sand from her lashes."
A sharp, swift blow or stroke delivered with a whip, cord, or similar flexible instrument, or a sudden forceful impact as if from a whip.
"The sudden lash of freezing rain against the windowpane woke the entire household."
The flexible, braided leather or cord part of a whip, or a whip itself.
"The historical display featured a leather driving lash used by stagecoach drivers in the nineteenth century."
• verb
To strike or beat forcefully with a whip, cord, or sudden violent force (such as wind, rain, or waves).
"Fierce autumn gales began to lash the coastal cliffs as the storm moved inland."
To fasten, bind, or secure tightly with ropes, cords, or straps.
"The crew worked quickly to lash the cargo to the deck before the seas grew rougher."
To move or flick quickly and violently from side to side (especially of an animal's tail).
"Theresting leopard began to lash its tail as it spotted movement in the tall grass."
To criticize, scold, or attack someone harshly in speech or writing.
"Several editorial columnists used their articles to lash the committee for its lack of transparency."
• Rhymes for lash
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the 14th century, the word 'lash' in the sense of striking or whipping is likely of imitative origin, mimicking the swift, whistling sound of a whip cutting through the air. The nautical sense of binding with rope has a separate origin, probably borrowed from Old French 'lacier' (to lace or tie), from Latin 'laqueus' (noose or snare).