v. & n.
--v. (past and past part. flung)
1. tr. throw or hurl (an object) forcefully.
2 refl. a (usu. foll. by into) rush headlong (into a person's arms, a train, etc.). b (usu. foll. by into) embark wholeheartedly (on an enterprise). c (usu. foll. by on) throw (oneself) on a person's mercy etc.
3 tr. utter (words) forcefully.
4 tr. (usu. foll. by out) suddenly spread (the arms).
5 tr. (foll. by on, off) put on or take off (clothes) carelessly or rapidly.
6 intr. go angrily or violently; rush (flung out of the room).
7 tr. put or send suddenly or violently (was flung into jail).
8 tr. (foll. by away) discard or put aside thoughtlessly or rashly (flung away their reputation).
9 intr. (usu. foll. by out) (of a horse etc.) kick and plunge.
10 tr. archaic send, emit (sound, light, smell).
--n.
1. an act or instance of flinging; a throw; a plunge.
2 a spell of indulgence or wild behaviour (he's had his fling).
3 an impetuous, whirling Scottish dance, esp. the Highland fling.
Phrases and idioms:
have a fling at
1. make an attempt at.
2 jeer at.
Derivatives:
flinger n.
Etymology: ME, perh. f. ON