lashing

/ˈlæʃɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Beating or striking violently, especially describing wind, rain, or waves.
    • The lashing wind knocked over the trash cans.
    • We stayed indoors during the lashing storm.
    • The lashing rain made it impossible to see the road.
noun
  1. A punishment or beating with a whip or stick.
    • The cruel master gave the slave a severe lashing.
    • In the old days, a lashing was a common form of discipline on ships.
    • The prisoner received ten lashes as punishment.
  2. A rope or cord used to tie something tightly.
    • A loose lashing caused the bundle to fall apart.
    • He used a strong lashing to secure the tent to the ground.
    • The sailor checked the lashings holding the cargo in place.
  3. A sudden, forceful movement or strike, especially of wind, rain, or water.
    • The lashing of the rain against the windows kept us awake.
    • We could hear the lashing of the waves on the rocks.
    • The lashing of the wind tore the flag to shreds.