What are the definitions of “lash out at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lash out at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lash out at is to suddenly and angrily criticize or attack someone, either physically or verbally. It often happens without warning and can be a result of frustration, anger, or other strong emotions.
What are the different verb forms of “lash out at”?
| Root Verb | lash out at |
| Third Person Singular Present | lashes out at |
| Present Participle | lashing out at |
| Simple Past | lashed out at |
| Past Participle | lashed 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.
Example
The angry customer is lashing out at the store clerk.
Example
He lashed out at the reporter for asking a personal question.
Example
She had lashed out at her family during the argument.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lash out at”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“lash out at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The dog lashed out at the stranger.
Example
He lashed out at his brother for taking his toy.
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 at” 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
The dog lashed out at the stranger.
Example
He lashed out at his brother for taking his toy.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lash out at”?
Good things to know
Does “lash out at” have an informal or formal tone?
Lash out at 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 very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'criticize' or 'attack' instead.
