LASH OUT: How to Use This Phrasal Verb in English

If you enjoy learning phrasal verbs in English, keep reading to get lash out right at your fingertips.

The meaning of lash out is quite straightforward. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, lash out means:

to suddenly attack someone or something physically, or to criticize someone angrily

In simple terms, it can mean:

• to attack
• to criticize aggressively

The context tells you whether the attack is physical or verbal.

What is essential to understand is that this phrasal verb always suggests something sudden, emotional, and intense.

Examples with “Lash Out”

Physical or Verbal Attack

• I was only teasing him, and suddenly he lashed out and hit me in the face.
• Occasionally, the patients lashed out at the nurses.
• Her husband has a terrible temper and lashes out at everyone when he’s angry.

Strong Verbal Criticism

• The senator lashed out at the media during the press conference.
• The Cuban leader lashed out against the U.S. president’s policy.
• Why is Tina in such a bad mood? She really lashed out at me when I arrived late for work.

👉 Important pattern:
When it means attack or criticize someone, this phrasal verb is usually followed by AT:

lash out at someone

Is “Lash Out” a Separable or Inseparable Phrasal Verb?

It is an inseparable phrasal verb.

✅ Correct:

• He lashed out at his colleague.

❌ Incorrect:

• He lashed his colleague out.

Another Meaning of “Lash Out” (British English)

In British English, it can also mean:

to spend a lot of money on something

This meaning is recorded in the Collins Dictionary.

It often implies spending money impulsively or unnecessarily.

Examples (Spending Money)

• We lashed out £150 each on the best seats.
• I lashed out during the sales last week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ He lashed out me.
✅ He lashed out at me.

❌ She lashed out the government.
✅ She lashed out at the government.

Remember: AT is essential when lash out involves a target.

Final Thoughts

This phrasal verb is extremely common in:

• news articles
• everyday spoken English
• descriptions of emotional reactions

Understanding both meanings — attack/criticize and spend money (BrE) — will help you sound more natural and confident in English.

To reinforce your learning, look for more real examples and try using it whenever the context fits. That’s how English truly sticks.