fling

An act of throwing, often violently.

An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.

• the fling of a horse

An act or period of unrestrained indulgence, enthusiasm, or both.

• When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure.
• "I am inclined to go and have a fling with them. Why not all of us — just for a minute or two — it will not detain us long?"

A short romantic, oftentimes sexual, relationship.

• a summer fling
• I had a fling with a girl I met on holiday.

An attempt, a try.figuratively

• give it a fling

A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.obsolete

• I, who love to have a fling, / Both at senate house and king.
• I can just make out clearly that he is having a good fling at the Pope. The congregation, numbering about two hundred, are evidently very much pleased with the clergyman's endeavour.

A lively Scottish country dance.

• the Highland fling

A party, especially a dance party.

• a spring fling

A trifling matter; an object of contempt.obsolete

• ante 1800, old proverb England were but a fling / Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing.

To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.transitive

• 'Tis Fate that casts the Dice, and as she flings, Of Kings makes Pedants, and of Pedants Kings.
• I know thy generous temper well. / Fling but the appearance of dishonour on it, / It straight takes fire.

To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.intransitiveliterary

• And crop-full, out of doors he flings.
• I see, sir, said I, I see what a man I am with. […] And away I flung, leaving him seemingly vexed, and in confusion.

To throw; to wince; to flounce.archaicintransitive

• The horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air.

To utter abusive language; to sneer.intransitiveliterary

• The scold began to flout and fling.