flail

[fleɪl]

flail Definition

• 1. to wave or swing wildly
• 2. to strike with or as if with a flail
• 3. to move or thrash about in an energetic but aimless way

Using flail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The injured man was flailing his arms and legs.

• Example

  The boxer flailed his opponent with a series of powerful punches.

• Example

  The drowning swimmer flailed helplessly in the water.

• Example

  The bird flailed its wings trying to escape from the cage.

flail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flail

• thrash
• beat
• whip
• lash
• sway

Antonyms for flail

• steady
• still

Phrases with flail

• flail around

  to move or thrash about in an energetic but aimless way

  Example

  He was flailing around in the water, unable to swim.

• flail out

  to strike out wildly, often in anger or frustration

  Example

  The angry customer began to flail out at the store clerk.

• flail away

  to make a vigorous effort to do something, often without success

  Example

  He kept flailing away at the problem, but couldn't find a solution.

Origins of flail

from Old English 'flegil'

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Summary: flail in Brief

To 'flail' [fleɪl] is to wave or swing wildly, strike with a flail, or move or thrash about in an energetic but aimless way. It can be used to describe physical movements such as flailing arms and legs or flailing wings, as well as metaphorical movements such as flailing away at a problem. Synonyms include 'thrash,' 'beat,' and 'whip.'