Throw Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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throw

[ฮธrษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in sports

To propel an object through the air with a sudden motion of the arm and wrist.

Synonyms

fling, hurl, toss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
throw

Used in general settings where an object is propelled into the air with some effort. It doesn't indicate the speed, force, or intent behind the action.

  • She can throw the ball really far
  • He threw the book on the table
toss

Indicates a light or casual throw, often done with little effort or precision. It usually has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She tossed the apple to him
  • He casually tossed his keys onto the counter
hurl

Suggests an intense and usually violent action, often done with great energy. It can also have a negative or aggressive connotation.

  • Protesters began to hurl stones at the police
  • He hurled the broken vase into the trash can
fling

Implies a quick and forceful action, often done carelessly or in anger. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • In a fit of anger, he flung his phone across the room
  • She flung her coat onto the chair as she entered

Examples of usage

  • He threw the ball to his teammate.
  • She threw the javelin with great force.
Context #2 | Verb

casual

To discard or reject something.

Synonyms

discard, dispose of, get rid of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
throw

Used for general situations where you propel something through the air with your hand.

  • Throw the ball to me.
  • She threw the paper into the trash can.
discard

Used in situations where you get rid of something because it is no longer useful or wanted, often in a careful or purposeful manner.

  • Discard the old documents after scanning them.
  • You can discard the lemon peel after juicing.
dispose of

Used in more formal situations, often related to getting rid of something in an appropriate or environmentally friendly way.

  • Dispose of hazardous waste properly.
  • The company needs to dispose of old computers according to regulations.
get rid of

Used in casual contexts for removing or eliminating something unwanted or unneeded.

  • I need to get rid of this old couch.
  • She got rid of all the junk in the garage.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to throw away all the old magazines.
  • He threw out the idea of going to the movies.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

An act of throwing something.

Synonyms

cast, fling, toss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
throw

Used in general situations where you propel an object through the air with your hand. It's a versatile term that fits most everyday scenarios.

  • Can you throw me the ball?
  • He threw the paper into the trash.
toss

Generally used for a light or casual throw, often seen as a softer or more playful action. It can also be used in cooking.

  • He tossed the keys to me.
  • She tossed the salad with dressing.
fling

Implies throwing something with great force, often carelessly or in a fit of emotion, and typically has a negative connotation.

  • In a fit of anger, he flung his phone across the room.
  • She flung the book onto the table.
cast

Often used when talking about throwing something light or delicate, or in specific contexts like fishing, where precision is needed.

  • The fisherman cast his net into the river.
  • She cast a glance at her watch.

Examples of usage

  • He made an impressive throw from the outfield.
  • She had a perfect throw in the dart game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In baseball, pitchers perform precise throws to get batters out, demonstrating skill and technique.
  • In football (soccer), throwing the ball back into play is known as a 'throw-in' and has specific rules.
  • The javelin throw is an Olympic event focusing on technique and strength to launch a spear-like object as far as possible.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that physical actions like throwing can relieve stress and improve mood due to the release of endorphins.
  • The act of throwing can create a sense of control and empowerment, especially in games and sports.
  • Research indicates that learning to throw can improve cognitive development in children by enhancing hand-eye coordination.

Pop Culture

  • In the popular game Fortnite, players can throw items to distract opponents or create strategic advantages during battle.
  • Many movies feature memorable throwing scenes, like the iconic moment in 'The Lion King' where Simba is presented to the animal kingdom.
  • The phrase 'throwing shade' in modern slang means to make a subtle or indirect criticism, showing the word's versatile usage.

Literature

  • Throwing stones or objects often symbolize conflict or discord in classic literature, reflecting deeper themes of struggle.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare utilized throwing as a metaphorical act in their works to illustrate emotional conflict.
  • In modern poetry, throwing can be used to convey loss or letting go, highlighting personal transformation or growth.

Origin of 'throw'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'throw' comes from Old English 'thrศณwan', meaning to twist or turn, showing its roots in movement.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved into 'throwen', reflecting changes in how English was spoken over time.
  • Related words in other languages, such as the German 'werfen', showcase similar meanings, depicting a common action across cultures.

The word 'throw' originated from the Old English word 'รพrawan', which means 'twist, turn'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the action of propelling objects through the air. The word has been used in various contexts, from sports to everyday activities, and continues to be a common and versatile term in the English language.


See also: overthrow, throwaway, throwback, thrower, throwing, underthrow.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,115, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.