fling

Noun

1. An act of throwing, often violently.
2. An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
4. A short romantic, oftentimes sexual, relationship.
5. (figuratively) An attempt, a try.
6. (obsolete) A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
7. A lively Scottish country dance.
8. (obsolete) A trifling matter; an object of contempt.

Verb

1. (transitive) To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
2. (archaic, intransitive) To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
3. (archaic, intransitive) To throw; to wince; to flounce.
4. (archaic, intransitive) To utter abusive language; to sneer.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈflɪŋ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: fling

Cognate with Icelandic: flengur

Inherited from Middle English: flyngen

Cognate with Icelandic: flengja

Cognate with Norwegian: flengja

In summary

From Middle English fling, from the verb (see below). Compare Icelandic flengur (“a fast sprint”).

Synonyms

throw

cast

hurl

toss

pitch

sling

throw away

swing

whirl

chuck

dash

💨

toss away

discard

brandish

shy

propel

heave

dispose

slam

launch

cast aside

wave about

wave

👋

throw off

throw out

spree

shoot

flourish

shake off

wield

project

crack

go

pass

pelt

beat

lob

offer

wag

put away

dart

🎯

smash

splurge

stir up

thump

chuck out

catapult

attempt

flip

arouse