lash out

To suddenly speak angrily to someone or criticize them harshly.

• Please don't lash out at me.
• She lashed out at her brother for losing the keys.
• The coach lashed out at reporters after the match.

How to use it: lash out at someone/something (The minister lashed out at the newspaper's claims.)

Similar words: hit out, snap, attack

Common phrases: lash out at someone, lash out angrily, lash out at critics

To suddenly try to hit, kick, or hurt someone, often because you are angry or frightened.

• He lashed out with his fist.
• The injured animal lashed out at the person helping it.
• She tried to hold him, but he lashed out and kicked her.

How to use it: lash out at someone/something (The frightened child lashed out at the nurse.); lash out with something (He lashed out with his foot.)

Similar words: strike out, hit out, attack

Common phrases: lash out at someone, lash out violently, lash out with something

To spend a lot of money on something, especially as a treat.

• Let's lash out on dinner.
• He lashed out on a new sports car.
• We rarely lash out, but this holiday was worth every penny.

How to use it: lash out on something (We lashed out on a luxury hotel for our anniversary.)

Similar words: splash out, splurge

Common phrases: lash out on something, lash out on dinner