fling

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fling / fling/ • v. (past flung / fləng/ ) [tr.] throw or hurl forcefully: he picked up the debris and flung it away | fig. I was flung into jail. ∎  move or push (something) suddenly or violently: he flung back the bedclothes | [tr.] Jennifer flung open a door. ∎  (fling oneself) throw oneself headlong: he flung himself down at her feet with a laugh. ∎  (fling oneself into) wholeheartedly engage in or begin on (an enterprise): the producer flung himself into an ugly battle with the studio. ∎  (fling something on/off) put on or take off clothes carelessly or rapidly. ∎  utter (words) forcefully: the words were flung at her like an accusation. ∎  [intr.] go angrily or violently; rush: he flung away to his study, slamming the door behind him.• n. 1. a short period of enjoyment or wild behavior: one final fling before a tranquil retirement. ∎  a short, spontaneous sexual relationship: I had a fling with someone when I was at college.2. short for Highland fling.DERIVATIVES: fling·er n.

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