/fling/ , v. , flung, flinging , 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.
10. to move with haste or violence; rush; dash.
11. to fly into violent and irregular motions, as a horse; throw the body about, as a person.
12. to speak harshly or abusively (usually fol. by out ): He flung out disgustedly against the whole human race.
n.
13. an act of flinging.
14. 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.
15. an attempt at something: He took a fling at playwriting.
16. a critical or contemptuous remark; gibe.
17. Also called Highland fling . a lively Scottish dance characterized by flinging movements of the arms and legs.
[ 1250-1300; ME; cf. Sw flänga to fly, race ]