lash out at
phr. v.. B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to attack or criticize someone suddenly and angrily.
phr. v.. 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.
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 brotherHe lashed out at his brotherthe preposition 'at' is required to indicate the target of the action.