Thrashing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Thrashing refers to violent or forceful movements, such as flailing limbs or waves crashing. It can also describe a computer's excessive activity when overloaded, slowing performance. The term implies chaotic or uncontrolled motion.
Definition:
Beating or striking repeatedly, often violently; also, moving wildly or struggling.
Synonyms:
beating, flogging, whipping, pounding
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
caressing, soothing
Common Collocations:
thrashing machine, thrashing sound, thrashing about
Derivatives:
thrasher, thrashed
Usage Tips:
Use "thrashing" for violent physical actions or metaphorical struggles (e.g., "thrashing the water"). Avoid for gentle movements.
Common Phrases:
give someone a thrashing, thrash out an issue
Etymology:
From Old English *þrescan*, meaning to beat or strike forcefully; related to Dutch *dorsen* and German *dreschen*.
Examples:
- 1. The waves were thrashing against the rocks all night.
- 2. He received a severe thrashing for breaking the rules.
- 3. The fish kept thrashing in the net until it escaped.
- 4. She was thrashing around in her sleep during the nightmare.