lash
UK[læʃ]US[læʃ]
v
To hit with a whip or a thin, flexible object.
v
To strike against something with force, like wind or rain.
v
To criticize someone severely.
n
A stroke or blow with a whip or something similar.
n
The flexible part of a whip.
n
An eyelash.
Etymology
The word 'lash' likely originated in Middle English as an onomatopoeic or expressive formation, imitating the sound of something moving swiftly and striking. It is possibly related to similar imitative words in other Germanic languages. This direct link between sound and meaning gave rise to its core sense of a swift, striking motion. Over time, this core meaning expanded metaphorically to include verbal criticism and metonymically to denote the striking object itself, such as a whip or an eyelash, which moves with a similar swift, flicking action.
Analysis
The word 'lash' is a simplex word of likely imitative origin, meaning its form is meant to evoke the sound or action it describes. Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
The rain began to lash against the windows.
He received ten lashes as punishment.
She didn't hesitate to lash out at the unfair policy.