What are the definitions of “lash out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lash out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lash out is to react angrily or suddenly become violent. It often refers to a person who loses control of their emotions and acts aggressively, either verbally or physically.
What are the different verb forms of “lash out”?
| Root Verb | lash out |
| Third Person Singular Present | lashes out |
| Present Participle | lashing out |
| Simple Past | lashed out |
| Past Participle | lashed out |
Example
When he gets angry, he tends to lash out at others.
Example
She lashes out when she feels cornered.
Example
He is lashing out at his friends because of his frustration.
Example
Yesterday, she lashed out at her coworker for a minor mistake.
Example
He had lashed out at his family when he was under stress.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lash out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“lash out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He lashed out when he heard the bad news.
Example
She lashed out after being criticized.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lash out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He lashed out when he heard the bad news.
Example
She lashed out after being criticized.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lash out”?
Good things to know
Does “lash out” have an informal or formal tone?
Lash out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in some cases, it may be more appropriate to use a synonym like 'react angrily' or 'become aggressive' in formal writing or speech.
