tongue-lash

verb

ˈtəŋ-ˌlash How to pronounce tongue-lash (audio)
tongue-lashed; tongue-lashing; tongue-lashes
Synonyms of tongue-lashnext
: chide, scold
tongue-lashing
ˈtəŋ-ˌla-shiŋ How to pronounce tongue-lash (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of tongue-lash in a Sentence

the drill sergeant tongue-lashed the recruits with a colorful litany of foulmouthed invectives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spencer died Sunday at his home in Palm Desert, according to his daughter, Karen. Spencer once dreamed of coaching big-time college football and his blunt, salty style could have served him well barking orders from the sideline or delivering a tongue-lashing locker-room speech. — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from tongue-lashing

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tongue-lash was in 1856

Rhymes for tongue-lash

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Browse Nearby Words

tongue-lash
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Cite this Entry

“Tongue-lash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tongue-lash. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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