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fling Definition

fling (fliŋ)

transitive verb flung, flinging fling′·ing

  1. to throw, esp. with force or violence; hurl; cast
  2. to put abruptly or violently to be flung into confusion
  3. to move (one's arms, legs, head, etc.) suddenly or impulsively
  4. to throw (oneself) energetically (into a task)
  5. to throw aside; disregard to fling caution to the winds
  6. Old Poet. to emit or diffuse

Etymology: ME flingen, to rush < ON flengja, to whip (Norw dial., to throw) < IE base *plāk-: see flaw

intransitive verb

  1. to move suddenly and violently; rush; dash
  2. to kick and plunge, as a horse does: often with out

noun

  1. an act of flinging
  2. a brief time of unrestrained pleasures or dissipation
  3. a spirited dance the Highland fling
  4. Informal a trial effort; try to have a fling at acting
  5. Informal a brief love affair

Related Forms:

fling Synonyms

fling

n.

fling Synonyms

fling

v.

toss, sling, throw, dump; see throw 1. See syn. study at throw.

fling Usage Examples

Object

  • rock: Give me all the money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head.

Adjective modifier

  • casual: But what is it that brings men and women together for casual flings or lifetime commitments?
  • final: I know lots of people who come back for final fling.
  • brief: She had a brief fling with Matt on the rebound.

Modifying Another Word

  • suddenly: A hand may suddenly fling out, a shoulder may shrug, a foot may kick, or the entire body may jerk.

Browse dictionary entries near fling

  1. flinders
  2. flinch
  3. flimsy
  4. flimsiness
  5. flimsily
  6. flimsiest
  7. flimsies
  8. flimsier
  9. flimflamming
  10. flimflammery
  1. flinger
  2. flinging
  3. flint
  4. flint corn
  5. flint glass
  6. flintier
  7. flintiest
  8. flintily
  9. flintiness
  10. flintlock