Dictionary
fling
Pronunciation: (fling), [key]
—v., flung, fling•ing,
—n.
—
v.t.
1. to throw, cast, or hurl with force or violence:
to fling a stone.
2. to move (oneself) violently with impatience, contempt, or the like:
She flung herself angrily from the room.
3. to put suddenly or violently:
to fling a suspect into jail.
4. to project or speak sharply, curtly, or forcefully:
He flung his answer at the questioner.
5. to involve (oneself) vigorously in an undertaking.
6. to move, do, or say (something) quickly:
to fling a greeting in passing.
7. to send suddenly and rapidly:
to fling fresh troops into a battle.
8. to throw aside or off.
9. to throw to the ground, as in wrestling or horseback riding.
—
v.i.
1. to move with haste or violence; rush; dash.
2. to fly into violent and irregular motions, as a horse; throw the body about, as a person.
3. to speak harshly or abusively (usually fol. by
out):
He flung out disgustedly against the whole human race.
—
n.
1. an act of flinging.
2. a short period of unrestrained pursuit of one's wishes or desires:
The week of partying was my last fling before starting a new job.
3. an attempt at something:
He took a fling at playwriting.
4. a critical or contemptuous remark; gibe.
5. Also called
Highland fling. a lively Scottish dance characterized by flinging movements of the arms and legs.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
