fling: Meaning and Definition of

fling

Pronunciation: (fling), [key]
— v., n. flung, fling•ing,
—v.t.
  1. to throw, cast, or hurl with force or violence: to fling a stone.
  2. to move (oneself&hasp;) 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&hasp;) 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 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.
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