Fling

/flɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An act of throwing something with force.
With a single fling, he sent the stick into the air.
A brief romantic or sexual relationship.
Her fling with him lasted only a few weeks.
verb
To throw something with force or motion.
He decided to fling the ball as far as he could.
To move or do something quickly or suddenly.
She flung open the door in excitement.
To engage in a brief romantic or sexual relationship.
They had a summer fling that they both enjoyed.

Etymology

Middle English flengen, from Old Norse flengja; akin to Old English flēngan to move quickly.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fling the blame
To put the responsibility for something on someone else.
fling yourself into
To engage in something with great enthusiasm.
fling open
To open something suddenly and forcefully.

Related Words

thrust
To push something forward.
sling
To throw or cast something in a quick motion.
cast
To throw something forcefully.

Slang Meanings

A casual sexual relationship or encounter.
They had a fling during the summer vacation.
To throw something in a carelessly energetic way.
She flung her bag onto the couch.