Lay about

verb

To attack or to hit someone or something without control.

He began to lay about him with the stick.
Visual representation of "lay about" - To attack or to hit someone or something without control

Often appears as...

  • lay about him
  • lay about with a stick

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To be lazy and not doing anything.

She does not want her son to lay about all day and do nothing.
Visual representation of "lay about" - To be lazy and not doing anything

Often appears as...

  • lay about all day
  • lay about doing nothing

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

Scatter things around.

She did not like clothing laid about in the bedroom.
Visual representation of "lay about" - scatter things around

Often appears as...

  • lay about in a room
  • lay about clothes
verb

To attack or to hit someone or something without control.

He began to lay about him with the stick.
Visual representation of "lay about" - To attack or to hit someone or something without control

Often appears as...

  • lay about him
  • lay about with a stick

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To be lazy and not doing anything.

She does not want her son to lay about all day and do nothing.
Visual representation of "lay about" - To be lazy and not doing anything

Often appears as...

  • lay about all day
  • lay about doing nothing

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

Scatter things around.

She did not like clothing laid about in the bedroom.
Visual representation of "lay about" - scatter things around

Often appears as...

  • lay about in a room
  • lay about clothes
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "lay about"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Violent Connotation

Indicates uncontrolled violence, often used in action descriptions.

Illustration for Violent Connotation
During the brawl, he began to lay about wildly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Wide Range

Suggests hitting in many directions, not a single target.

Illustration for Wide Range
Cornered, the man started to lay about, hitting anyone near him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Outburst

Can imply a sudden release of anger or frustration.

Illustration for Sudden Outburst
Overwhelmed with frustration, she laid about the room, knocking things over.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Violent Connotation

Indicates uncontrolled violence, often used in action descriptions.

Illustration for Violent Connotation
During the brawl, he began to lay about wildly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Wide Range

Suggests hitting in many directions, not a single target.

Illustration for Wide Range
Cornered, the man started to lay about, hitting anyone near him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Outburst

Can imply a sudden release of anger or frustration.

Illustration for Sudden Outburst
Overwhelmed with frustration, she laid about the room, knocking things over.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Violent Connotation

Indicates uncontrolled violence, often used in action descriptions.

Illustration for Violent Connotation
During the brawl, he began to lay about wildly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Wide Range

Suggests hitting in many directions, not a single target.

Illustration for Wide Range
Cornered, the man started to lay about, hitting anyone near him.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Outburst

Can imply a sudden release of anger or frustration.

Illustration for Sudden Outburst
Overwhelmed with frustration, she laid about the room, knocking things over.
Visual representation of the word "Lay about"

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