Fling

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈflɪŋ/
• US IPA: /ˈfliːŋ/
• Rhymes: -ɪŋ

Origin

From Old Norse flengja.

Full definition of 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.the fling of a horse
3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
• D. JerroldWhen I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure.
4. Short, often sexual relationship.I had a fling with a girl I met on holiday.
5. (figuratively) An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
6. (obsolete) A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe; a sarcasm.
• Jonathan SwiftI, who love to have a fling,
  Both at senate house and king.
7. A kind of dance.the Highland fling
8. (obsolete) A trifing matter; an object of contempt.
• Old proverbEngland were but a fling
  Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing.

Synonyms

• hookup

Verb

1. (transitive) To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
• Dryden'Tis Fate that flings the dice: and, as she flings,
  Of kings makes peasants, and of peasants kings.
• AddisonI know thy generous temper well.
  Fling but the appearance of dishonour on it,
  It straight takes fire.
• 2011, Tom Fordyce, Rugby World Cup 2011: England 12-19 France http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15210221.stmWilkinson was struggling, sending the re-start straight into touch and flinging a pass the same way, and France then went close to the first try of the contest as Clerc took a long pass out on the left and was just bundled into touch by the corner flag.
2. (intransitive, archaic) To throw oneself in a violent or hasty manner; to rush or spring with violence or haste.
• MiltonAnd crop-full, out of doors he flings.
• Elizabeth BrowningI flung closer to his breast,
  As sword that, after battle, flings to sheath.
3. (intransitive, archaic) To throw; to wince; to flounce.
• Helen Crocket, The Ettrick Shepherd's Last TaleThe horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air.
4. (intransitive, archaic) To utter abusive language; to sneer.The scold began to flout and fling.