thrashed vs. whipped

[Donner]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #109 "Synonyms for beat", question 9

The naughty boy ......... the hedge to frighten the horses.

(a) whipped
(b) thrashed
(c) slapped
(d) beat

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #109 "Synonyms for beat", answer 9

The naughty boy thrashed the hedge to frighten the horses.

Correct answer: (b) thrashed

Your answer was: incorrect
The naughty boy whipped the hedge to frighten the horses.
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The horses might have felt frightened,
thinking they will be the next to be "whipped"?

Donner

[Yankee]

Hi

My guess is that the boy caused a rustling sound (which was intended to frighten the horses).

I have to admit, though, I find the use of 'thrash' in this sentence to be a bit odd.

Amy

[Alan]

Maybe 'bashed' would fit the bill.

A
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/look