English Reference
verb · noun

bash

v. · n.
US /ˈbæʃ/ UK /bˈæʃ/ bash UK spelling bashed, bashes

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal

    v.to hit something or someone very hard.

    v.to strike with a heavy, forceful blow.

    Simple

    He had to bash the door with his shoulder to get it open.

    In context

    The waves continued to bash against the pier, eventually loosening the wooden planks during the height of the storm.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to criticize someone or something in a very strong or unfair way.

    v.to criticize harshly or attack verbally, often in a public or repetitive manner.

    Simple

    The newspapers started to bash the government for the new tax laws.

    In context

    Political commentators spent the evening bashing the candidate's performance, focusing entirely on his minor verbal slips rather than his policy proposals.

    attackcriticizelambaste
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a large, exciting party or celebration.

    n.a large social event or celebratory party.

    Simple

    They are throwing a big bash for his fiftieth birthday next week.

    In context

    The charity hosted a star-studded bash at the hotel to raise funds for the new children's wing of the hospital.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    n.an attempt at doing something, especially if you are not sure you will succeed.

    n.an attempt or try at a particular task or activity.

    Simple

    I have never played golf before, but I will have a bash at it.

    In context

    Even though she lacked formal training in coding, she decided to have a bash at building her own website over the weekend.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a common computer program used to give commands to a computer, especially on Linux.

    n.a widely used Unix shell and command language, serving as the default shell for many Linux distributions.

    Simple

    You can write a simple bash script to automate your daily backups.

    In context

    The system administrator updated the bash profile to include several new environment variables for the development team.

    Usage

    Often capitalized as 'Bash' when referring to the specific software.

A railway bridge named as the most bashed in Britain has been struck by a lorry for the second time in two days.

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated