Phrasal verb
lash out at
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“He lashed out at his brother after the argument.”
contextual
“During the meeting, she lashed out at the manager for the poor performance.”
complex
“The frustrated artist, unable to contain his rage, lashed out at the canvas with bold, chaotic strokes.”
Usage
followed by a person or thing being attacked or criticized.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'yell at' (more vocal) and 'scream at' (more intense); 'lash out at' emphasizes physical or verbal aggression in the moment.
Pitfall
He lashed out of his brother
He lashed out at his brother
the preposition 'at' is required to indicate the target of the action.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out at
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lash + out + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/lash-out-at