Hurtling: meaning, definitions and examples

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hurtling

 

[ ˈhɜːrtlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

motion, speed

Hurtling refers to the act of moving rapidly or forcefully, typically in a way that is uncontrolled or turbulent. The term is often used to describe something that is propelled with great speed, such as a vehicle, object, or even a person in an athletic context. When something is hurtling, it usually implies a sense of urgency or danger due to its swift movement. This word encapsulates the dynamism and intensity of fast motion, often accompanied by a feeling of thrill or peril.

Synonyms

bolting, flying, rushing, speeding

Examples of usage

  • The car was hurtling down the highway.
  • He was hurtling through the air after jumping off the ramp.
  • The meteor was hurtling toward Earth.
  • Children were hurtling down the slide at the playground.

Translations

Translations of the word "hurtling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lançando

🇮🇳 तेज़ी से चलना

🇩🇪 schnell fliegen

🇮🇩 meluncur

🇺🇦 летіти з великою швидкістю

🇵🇱 pędzący

🇯🇵 猛スピードで進む

🇫🇷 se précipiter

🇪🇸 lanzándose

🇹🇷 hızla fırlamak

🇰🇷 맹렬히 달리다

🇸🇦 يندفع بسرعة

🇨🇿 rychle se hnout

🇸🇰 rýchlo sa pohybovať

🇨🇳 快速飞驰

🇸🇮 hitro se premikati

🇮🇸 hraðe flytja

🇰🇿 жылдам жүру

🇬🇪 სწრაფად მოძრაობა

🇦🇿 sürətlə irəliləmək

🇲🇽 avanzar rápidamente

Etymology

The word 'hurtling' originates from the Old English word 'hyrtan,' meaning to throw or to push away. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English term 'hurtle,' which conveyed a similar essence of rapid movement or collision. In contemporary usage, 'hurtling' embodies the sense of not just moving fast but doing so in a manner that suggests a lack of control or direction. The incorporation of this term into modern English reflects our fascination with speed, especially in contexts like sports, transportation, and even the natural phenomena of celestial bodies. The growing popularity of extreme sports and high-speed activities in recent decades has further entrenched the term in our language, illustrating the dynamic interplay between language evolution and cultural trends.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,621, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.