 |
| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Origin: | From a Scandinavian language |
| |||||||||
fling1
past tense and past participle flung [transitive always + adverb/preposition]
past tense and past participle flung [transitive always + adverb/preposition]1 to throw something somewhere using a lot of force
throw something
fling something into something He flung the box into the river. People cheered and flung their hats into the air.
He flung the box into the river.People cheered and flung their hats into the air.2 to throw or move something roughly and carelessly : He flung his coat over the back of a chair. She flung back the covers and got up. He flung the books aside angrily.
move something
He flung his coat over the back of a chair.She flung back the covers and got up.He flung the books aside angrily.3 to push someone roughly, especially so that they fall to the ground [= throw]: He grabbed her arm and flung her to the ground.
push somebody
He grabbed her arm and flung her to the ground.4 to move yourself or part of your body quickly, using a lot of force [= throw]:
move your body
5 to say something to someone in an angry way [= throw]
say something
fling something at somebody People were flinging all sorts of accusations at her. His own words were flung back at him.
People were flinging all sorts of accusations at her.His own words were flung back at him.6 to open a door or window roughly, using a lot of force : The door was flung open and Selkirk entered.
fling something open
The door was flung open and Selkirk entered.7 to put someone in prison, often without having a good reason : Opposition leaders were flung into jail.
fling somebody in prison/jail
Opposition leaders were flung into jail.8 to start doing something with a lot of energy : After the divorce he flung himself into his work to forget her.
fling yourself into something
After the divorce he flung himself into his work to forget her.9
fling yourself at somebody
a) to move suddenly towards someone in order to attack them or hold them : He flung himself at her and snatched the bag. The children flung themselves at him, squealing with joy.
He flung himself at her and snatched the bag.The children flung themselves at him, squealing with joy.b) informal to show in a very clear, open way that you want to have a sexual relationship with someone - used to show disapproval
fling something ↔ off
phrasal verbHe flung off his coat.fling somebody/something ↔ out
phrasal verb1 to make someone leave a place when they do not want to [= throw out]
2 to get rid of something you no longer want or need [= throw out]: If it doesn't work, just fling it out.
If it doesn't work, just fling it out.
