flail
verbUK /fleɪl/
US /fleɪl/
To wave your arms and legs around in a wild way.
The little boy began to flail his arms when he slipped on the ice.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A tool with a long handle and a swinging stick used to beat grain.
The farmer used a flail to separate the wheat from the chaff.
3. To hit something repeatedly with a stick or whip.
The branches flailed against the window in the strong wind.
4. To move in an uncontrolled, clumsy way, often while struggling.
He flailed in the water until the lifeguard reached him.