lashes out
Explodes in fury
To lash out is to attack suddenly, either physically or verbally.
The image is of a whip or limb striking without warning.
Someone who lashes out might throw a punch, but more often unleashes harsh words: She lashed out at critics who questioned her motives.
The attack is typically reactive—a response to feeling threatened, cornered, or hurt.
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- strikes backCounterattacks after being hit
- fights backOpposes an attacker
- assailVigorously go after
- attackAggressive act against another
verbal attack · reacts · criticize · snaps · flies off the handle · goes ballistic · aggression · explode · strike · berates · outburst · angry outburst · lambaste · confrontations · snarls · bites back · rage · cornered
- criticismscriticizes, disparages, condemns, denounces, censures
- losing itloses it, snaps, goes crazy, goes nuts, goes berserk
lashes outholds back
Restrains or delays
bites tongue · keeps it together · deliberates · pauses · bottles up
lashes outwithdraws
Pulls out or removes
retreats · shuts down · bottles up · internalizes · clams up
lashes outsoothes
Gently relieves distress
embraces · comforts · reassures · de-escalates · makes peace
out, lash, eyelash, backlash, lashed, lashing, lashes, eyelashes, whiplash