Lash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌟
Add to dictionary

lash

[læʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eye makeup

A cosmetic applied to the eyelashes to make them look longer, thicker, and darker.

Synonyms

eyelash enhancer, mascara.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lash

General term for eyelashes, often used in beauty and makeup contexts to talk about enhancing or styling eyelashes.

  • Curling your lashes can make your eyes look bigger.
  • False lashes were used to give her a dramatic look.
mascara

A cosmetic product applied to the eyelashes to darken, lengthen, and thicken them.

  • She applied two coats of mascara to her lashes.
  • Waterproof mascara is ideal for rainy days or emotional events.
eyelash enhancer

Specifically refers to products or treatments designed to improve the appearance, length, or volume of one's eyelashes.

  • She started using an eyelash enhancer to make her lashes fuller.
  • The new eyelash enhancer showed visible results in just a week.

Examples of usage

  • Lash mascara is popular among women for enhancing their eyelashes.
  • She used a lash curler before applying mascara to her lashes.
Context #2 | Verb

strike

To strike someone or something with a whip or stick.

Synonyms

strike, whip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lash

Can also refer to tying or fastening something securely with a rope, though less common in modern use.

  • Lash the sail to the mast tightly.
whip

Refers to hitting with a long, thin object used to exert control, often with a strong negative and violent connotation.

  • The horse was driven faster with the crack of the whip.
  • He was whipped for disobeying orders.
strike

Used to describe a deliberate hit or blow, whether physical or metaphorical. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation but often does in contexts of conflict or violence.

  • The boxer delivered a swift strike to his opponent.
  • Workers decided to strike for better wages.

Examples of usage

  • The trainer would lash the horse to make it move faster.
  • The storm lashed the coastline, causing significant damage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • 'Lash' appears in many poetic works where it symbolizes both emotional pain and intense experiences.
  • Famous authors have used the word to convey themes of punishment or wrath, creating imagery of sharpness and immediacy.
  • In classic mythology, lashes are often associated with divine retribution or heroic punishment, adding gravity to the term.

Psychology

  • The emotional impact of being 'lashed' at verbally can lead to long-term effects on self-esteem.
  • Studies show that individuals who experience verbal 'lashes' may develop defensive behaviors.
  • Response to being lashed out at can vary: some might withdraw, while others could retaliate, showcasing diverse coping mechanisms.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'lash' has found a place in films and music, often used to describe dramatic moments of conflict.
  • In fashion, 'lashes' also refer to false eyelashes, symbolizing beauty and altering appearance, providing a twist to the word.
  • Popular music often uses 'lash out' to describe expressing strong emotions, making it relatable in contemporary contexts.

Science

  • In biology, a 'lash' can refer to how certain animals use tails or appendages quickly to defend themselves.
  • The concept of 'lashes' can extend to physics when discussing impact forces and quick movements of flexible materials.
  • Movements modeled after lashes occur in nature, like in the behavior of certain predatory species that strike quickly.

Origin of 'lash'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lash' comes from Middle English 'laschen', which means to bind or tie.
  • In Old Norse, 'laska' meant to throw or strike, showing the word's roots in action.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe both physical strikes and quick movements.

The word 'lash' has a long history, originating from Old English 'læsc' meaning 'a blow, stroke, or lash of a whip.' Over time, its usage expanded to include eyelash cosmetics and various forms of striking or whipping. The versatility of 'lash' as both a noun and a verb showcases its enduring relevance in modern language.


See also: lashing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,660, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.