Is it possible that the origins of the noun rash (meaning “an eruption on the body,” as in “a skin rash”) and the adjective rash (meaning “overly hasty”) are the same? Not so fast! Like many homonyms—“two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning”—the two rashes have distinct sources. The noun rash, which first appeared in English in the late 17th century, probably comes ultimately from the Latin verb rādere, meaning “to scrape, scratch, shave.” The adjective rash appears to be about two centuries older, and comes from a Middle English word meaning “active, quick, eager.”
reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.
a reckless driver
foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.
the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm
Example Sentences
Noun The baby has a skin rash. The doctor said she developed the rash because of the medicine. I break out in a rash if I eat shellfish. Symptoms of the disease include rash and fever. There has been a rash of robberies in the city this summer. Adjective Their rash actions resulted in a serious accident that could have killed someone. Don't be rash about this decision. Take your time. It was rash of you to make that promise. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Feeling guilt over Emily's rash decision, and with the high of Fred's murder wearing off, June scrubs off the blood and turns herself into the Toronto police. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 14 Sep. 2022 Mott50 Coco Crewneck Rash Guard and Jaida Ruffle High-Rise Swim Bottom Protect yourself and your kiddos in Mott50’s matching mom-and-me rash guards and swim bottoms with UPF 50+ fabric. Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Aug. 2022 After all, her Issa Dee character and her best friend, Molly (Yvonne Orji), surely deserved some measure of contentment after powering through four seasons of rash decisions, hurt feelings, breakups and confusion. Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2022 Additionally, the rubber strap or metal bracelet can be adjusted up to 15 mm so that it can be worn over a rash guard or dive suit. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 July 2022 If people don't want to wear sunscreen, Ivy suggests wearing long sleeve shirts like rash guards and board shorts, as some offer some sun protection. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 2 July 2022 Some of us want sun protection and a rash guard that enables us to be the surfer of our dreams while on the water. Elizabeth Djinis, SELF, 26 May 2022 There are second-skin rash guards and a range of cover-ups for more modest options. Shelby Ying Hyde, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Mar. 2022 Bathing suits and rash guards are great to wear for kayaking. Karthika Gupta, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 June 2021
Adjective
Bragg said the Indiana State coach who extended the offer did Michalski a huge favor and told him not to make any rash decisions. Nathan Baird, cleveland, 15 Aug. 2022 Allergic reactions include hives, trouble swallowing or breathing, swelling of the mouth, throat tightness, hoarseness and rash. Jen Christensen, CNN, 22 July 2022 But on Capitol Hill this week, Republicans were warning against rash action in response to the burning planet.New York Times, 20 July 2022 Sizable portions report no pre-rash symptoms at all and rashes begin in genital and anal areas, sometimes not spreading elsewhere, and some patients are reported to have had just one or two pox. Robert Hart, Forbes, 1 July 2022 And that jarring conversation was enough for both Kim and Jimmy to do something rash that could affect both of their lives. Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 Aug. 2022 Fontes was targeted by pro-Bolding groups for missteps during his tenure as county recorder, portraying him as too rash and impulsive. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 2 Aug. 2022 More severe cases of monkeypox can cause a rash and open sores that usually begin in the mouth and then move to the face and extremities. Ashley Stimpson, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2022 There's always temptation for shortcuts or to do something that would be rash, but that generally doesn't work. Evan Petzold, USA TODAY, 1 July 2022
Adverb
Whatever is causing the left-hander to pitch terribly away from home this season, the Giants need to address this road rash sooner rather than later. Andrew Baggarly, The Mercury News, 2 May 2017 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
probably borrowed from 17th-century French rache, rasche, going back to Middle French raiche "tinea," noun derivative of racher "to chisel, groove (metal)" (probably also "to scrape, scratch," senses attested in Romance cognates), going back to Vulgar Latin *rāsicāre, verb derivative from Latin rās-, participial and nominal stem of rādere "to scrape, scratch, shave" — more at rase
Adverb
Middle English (northern dialect) rasch quickly; akin to Old High German rasc fast