lash out at
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to attack or criticize someone suddenly and angrily.
phrasal verb. to strike or attack suddenly and violently; to criticize or express anger towards someone in an uncontrolled manner.
He lashed out at his brother after the argument.
During the meeting, she lashed out at the manager for the poor performance.
The frustrated artist, unable to contain his rage, lashed out at the canvas with bold, chaotic strokes.
followed by a person or thing being attacked or criticized.
contrast with 'yell at' (more vocal) and 'scream at' (more intense); 'lash out at' emphasizes physical or verbal aggression in the moment.
He lashed out of his brotherHe lashed out at his brotherthe preposition 'at' is required to indicate the target of the action.
Last updated April 24, 2026