fling
Pronunciation: (fling), [key]
— v., n. flung, fling•ing,
—v.t.
- to throw, cast, or hurl with force or violence: to fling a stone.
- to move (oneself&hasp;) violently with impatience, contempt, or the like: She flung herself angrily from the room.
- to put suddenly or violently: to fling a suspect into jail.
- to project or speak sharply, curtly, or forcefully: He flung his answer at the questioner.
- to involve (oneself&hasp;) vigorously in an undertaking.
- to move, do, or say (something) quickly: to fling a greeting in passing.
- to send suddenly and rapidly: to fling fresh troops into a battle.
- to throw aside or off.
- to throw to the ground, as in wrestling or horseback riding.
—v.i.
- to move with haste or violence; rush; dash.
- to fly into violent and irregular motions, as a horse; throw the body about, as a person.
- to speak harshly or abusively (usually fol. by out): He flung out disgustedly against the whole human race.
—n.
- an act of flinging.
- 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.
- an attempt at something: He took a fling at playwriting.
- a critical or contemptuous remark; gibe.
- Also calleda lively Scottish dance characterized by flinging movements of the arms and legs.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.