lashed out
Struck out angrily
Lashed out is the past tense of lash out, meaning to strike suddenly or attack verbally.
The image is of a whip or tail snapping outward.
Physical lashing out is a quick, violent motion: The cat lashed out with its claws.
More often the phrase describes verbal aggression—someone responding with sudden anger or criticism: She lashed out at reporters who questioned her motives.
- snappedBroke with sudden force
- flew off the handleReacted with sudden rage
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- hit backRespond with counterattack
- attackAggressive act against another
verbal attack · rebuked · lambasted · berated · tirade · scolded · harsh words · anger · criticize · explode · vented · fury · tantrum · wrath · argument · hurl · struck · aggression
lashed outheld back
Kept from advancing
bit one's tongue · kept one's cool · bottled up · suppressed · internalized
lashed outmade peace
Resolved a dispute
soothed · reassured · embraced · forgave · de-escalated
lashed outbacked down
Retreated from a position
withdrew · retreated · yielded · submitted · stood down
out, lash, outburst, eyelash, outcry, lashed, lashing, lashes, eyelashes