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Phrasal verbs "lash out" vs "lash out at"

Differences between lash out and lash out at

Lash out means to suddenly express anger or criticism towards someone or something, while lash out at means to direct that anger or criticism towards a specific person or group.

Meanings and Definitions: lash out vs lash out at

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Lash out

  • 1Suddenly become violent.

    He LASHED OUT and broke the man's nose.

  • 2React angrily.

    He LASHES OUT when things don't go his way.

  • 3Spend a lot of money on luxuries.

    I LASHED OUT in the sales last week.

Lash out at

  • 1Hit someone suddenly, usually without warning, or try to hit them.

    He LASHED OUT AT me when I laughed at him.

  • 2Criticise someone or shout at them.

    She LASHED OUT AT her colleagues when she was sacked.

Usage Examples: lash out, lash out at in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

lash out

Example

When he gets angry, he tends to lash out at others.

Example

She lashes out when she feels cornered.

lash out at

Example

He lashed out at his friend for making fun of him.

Example

She lashes out at her coworkers when she's stressed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lash out

explode

To suddenly express strong emotions, especially anger or frustration.

Example

He exploded with anger when he found out that his car had been stolen.

vent one's anger

To express one's anger or frustration in a forceful way.

Example

She vented her anger by shouting at her boss after he criticized her work.

fly off the handle

To suddenly become very angry and lose control of oneself.

Example

He flew off the handle when he saw the mess in the kitchen.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lash out at

attack verbally

To criticize or insult someone in a harsh or aggressive way.

Example

He attacked her verbally for not completing the project on time.

take it out on

To unfairly blame or punish someone else for one's own problems or frustrations.

Example

She took it out on her husband by yelling at him after a stressful day at work.

direct anger at

To aim one's anger or frustration towards a specific person or group.

Example

He directed his anger at his colleagues for not supporting him during the meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “lash”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Phrasal Verbs with “out at”

Differences in lash out vs lash out at: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: lash out or lash out at?

Both phrases are commonly used in spoken and written English, but lash out is slightly more common than lash out at.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lash out and lash out at

Both phrases are informal and can be used in casual conversations. However, lash out at may sound slightly more formal because it specifies the target of the anger or criticism.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of lash out and lash out at

Both phrases have a negative tone, but lash out can also imply a sudden and uncontrolled reaction, while lash out at can imply a deliberate and targeted attack.

lash out & lash out at: Synonyms and Antonyms

Lash out

Synonyms

Antonyms

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