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Meaning of flail
to move or swing wildly and uncontrolled, typically because of fear, confusion, or lack of coordination
Etymology of flail
The word "flail" comes from the Old French word "flailler," which means "to swing" or "to wave," and is related to the Latin word "flagellare," which means "to whip" or "to flog"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a variety of wild, uncontrolled movements, including the swinging of arms or legs, the waving of a whip or stick, and the thrashing of a body in pain or distress
Synonyms
thrash
lash
wave
swing
swipe
swish
swat
slap
strike
hit
beat
batter
pound
pummel
whip
fling
toss
hurl
throw
cast
pitch
jerk
twitch
quiver
shudder
tremble
convulse
writhe
twist
turn
spin
whirl
twirl
flutter
flap
oscillate
vibrate
shake
jiggle
joggle
wobble
teeter
stumble
lurch
careen
stagger
reel
totter
waver
falter
hesitate
vacillate
fluctuate
undulate
wave
tremor
spasm
convulsion
Definitions
- to wave or swing wildly, typically in an uncontrolled way
- to move or swing with a wild, uncontrolled motion, typically because of fear, confusion, or lack of coordination
- to make wild, uncontrolled movements with one's arms or legs, typically in an attempt to regain balance or composure
Usage Examples
- The farmer flailed his arms wildly as he tried to scare away the birds from his crops
- The child flailed her legs in excitement as she played on the swings
- The patient flailed about in bed, unable to control her movements due to the medication
Antonyms
remain still
stay calm
be steady
hold firm
keep steady
stay put
remain motionless
be immobile
stay frozen
hold back
restrain
control
calm
soothe
steady
stabilize
balance
compose
collect
gather
settle
quiet
still
tranquil
serene
peaceful
placid
composed
self-controlled
restrained
disciplined
poised
dignified
stately
serene
unruffled
unflappable