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Lashing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lashing

[ˈlæʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weather

A sudden and violent outpouring of rain.

Synonyms

pouring, raining cats and dogs, torrential.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lashing

Typically used to describe rain that is falling very forcefully and with a strong wind. This term can give a sense of harsh or adverse weather conditions.

  • The wind was howling and lashing rain beat against the windows
  • We couldn't see more than a few feet ahead because of the lashing rain
torrential

Used to describe extremely heavy rain that is often continuous and overwhelming. This term is more formal and can be found in news reports or weather forecasts.

  • The region experienced torrential rains, leading to severe flooding
  • Emergency services worked tirelessly to deal with the effects of the torrential downpour
pouring

Commonly used in casual conversation to describe heavy rain. This term is quite neutral and can be heard in everyday speech.

  • It's pouring outside, don't forget your umbrella
  • The kids got soaked because it started pouring while they were at the park
raining cats and dogs

An idiomatic expression used to describe very heavy rain. Often used humorously or in informal settings.

  • I can't believe how hard it's raining; it's like it's raining cats and dogs out there! We had to cancel our picnic because it was raining cats and dogs

Examples of usage

  • The lashing rain made it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.
  • We were caught in a storm with lashing rain and strong winds.
Context #2 | Noun

punishment

A beating or whipping, especially as a form of punishment.

Synonyms

caning, flogging, whipping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lashing

Typically used to describe a severe scolding or criticism, but can also refer to physical punishment with a whip or similar tool.

  • The teacher gave him a lashing for not doing his homework.
  • After the trial, the criminal received a lashing as part of his sentence.
whipping

General term for being beaten with a whip, without specifying the type of whip. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • The horse received a whipping to make it run faster.
  • The team took a whipping in the last game, losing by a large margin.
flogging

Used to describe being beaten with a whip or stick, commonly in historical or nautical contexts, often with a negative connotation.

  • In the navy, sailors could be punished by flogging for disobedience.
  • Historical records show that prisoners were often subjected to flogging.
caning

Specifically refers to punishment using a cane, often associated with school discipline or older judicial practices, mainly in certain regions.

  • In some old schools, students were given a caning for serious offenses.
  • The criminal was sentenced to caning for his crimes.

Examples of usage

  • The pirate captain ordered a lashing for the disobedient crew member.
  • The criminal received thirty lashes as a lashing for his crimes.

Translations

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

Origin of 'lashing'

The word 'lashing' has origins in Old English and Middle English, where it meant to beat or thrash. Over time, it has evolved to also describe a sudden and violent outpouring of rain. The dual meanings of punishment and weather-related intensity reflect the diverse history and usage of this word.

See also: lash.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,232, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.