What does FLAIL mean?

Flail

Part of Speech: verb, noun

Definition:

• Verb: to wave or swing arms or legs uncontrollably, often due to injury or excitement.
• Noun: a threshing tool consisting of a long handle with a free-swinging stick or bar attached to it, used for beating grain to separate the grain from the straw.

Pronunciations:

• US: /fleɪl/
• UK: /fleɪl/

Origin and Usage:

The word "flail" originated from the Old English word "flegil" meaning "to whip or flog." The noun form of the word refers to a tool used for threshing, which was commonly used in medieval times. The verb form of the word refers to the motion of waving or swinging uncontrollably, which is often associated with injury or excitement.

Synonyms:

• Thrash
• Swing
• Wave
• Beat

Related Words:

• Flair
• Final
• Fable
• Flake
• Flood

Example Sentences:

• He flailed his arms wildly in an attempt to keep his balance.
• The farmer used a flail to separate the grain from the straw.
• The injured player flailed on the ground in pain.
• The child flailed his arms in excitement when he saw the ice cream truck.