lash out at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lash out at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone reacts to an event or situation with an angry or hostile attitude. For example, "When I told my boss I was quitting my job, he lashed out at me and yelled a lot of nasty things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I didn't lash out at anyone".

The New York Times - Sports

And so Americans lash out at Russia.

The New York Times

They lash out at the banks.

The New York Times

Do they lash out at strangers?

The New Yorker

"They want somebody to lash out at.

The New York Times

E-book buyers lash out at Amazon's proposed price increases.

The New Yorker

But now he could lash out at a Democrat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why lash out at a such an important supplier?

The New York Times

They very often lash out at those around them.

The New Yorker

One theory is that terrorists lash out at America because they cannot lash out at authoritarian regimes at home.

The New York Times

This may be your last best chance to lash out at the counterculture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lash out at" when you want to convey a sudden, often unexpected, burst of anger directed towards someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "lash out at" when the anger is internalized or directed at oneself. This phrase implies an external target of the anger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lash out at" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an abrupt and forceful expression of anger or hostility directed towards a specific target. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

12%

Social Media

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lash out at" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes a sudden, forceful expression of anger or hostility towards a specific target. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, remember that this phrase implies an external target and that anger is directed outwards. While there are alternatives like ""snap at"" or ""verbally attack"", "lash out at" specifically captures the sudden and often unexpected nature of the outburst.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

react aggressively toward

Focuses on the aggressive nature of the reaction.

verbally attack

Emphasizes the verbal aspect of the aggressive behavior.

attack verbally

Highlights the attacking nature of the response using words.

snap at

Suggests a sudden and often sharp outburst.

blow up at

Conveys a sudden and explosive display of anger.

express hostility towards

Focuses on the hostile sentiment being conveyed.

berate

Implies a prolonged and critical scolding.

erupt in anger at

Stresses the sudden and forceful nature of the angry reaction.

become aggressive towards

Highlights the escalation into aggressive behavior.

get angry with

Indicates the emotional state leading to the outburst.

FAQs

How can I use "lash out at" in a sentence?

You can use "lash out at" to describe a situation where someone reacts angrily and aggressively toward another person or thing. For example, "When stressed, he tends to "lash out at" his colleagues".

What's a good alternative to "lash out at"?

Alternatives to "lash out at" include "snap at", "verbally attack", or "react aggressively toward", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "lash out on" instead of "lash out at"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "lash out" is "at". Saying "lash out on" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""lash out at"".

What does it mean when someone "lashes out at" you?

When someone "lashes out at" you, it means they are expressing sudden anger or hostility towards you, often in a verbal or aggressive manner. This behavior is often triggered by stress, frustration, or feeling threatened.