hurl

American  

[hurl] / hɜrl /

verb (used with object)

1. to throw or fling with great force or vigor.

   Synonyms:

   pitch, cast

2. to throw or cast down.

3. to utter with vehemence.

   to hurl insults at the umpire.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to throw a missile.

2. Baseball. to pitch a ball.

noun

1. a forcible or violent throw; fling.

hurl British  

/ hɜːl /

verb

1. (tr) to throw or propel with great force

2. (tr) to utter with force; yell

   to hurl insults

3. to transport or be transported in a driven vehicle

---

noun

1. the act or an instance of hurling

2. a ride in a driven vehicle

Other Word Forms

• hurler noun
• outhurl verb (used with object)
• unhurled adjective

Etymology

Origin of hurl

1175–1225; Middle English hurlen, equivalent to hur- (perhaps akin to hurry ) + -len -le; akin to Low German hurreln to toss, Frisian hurreln to roar (said of the wind), dialectal German hurlen to roll, rumble (said of thunder)

Example Sentences

The creature sprang—and as it launched itself, Christopher hurled the soil.

From Literature

From egg-slaps to tables being hurled, boxing rarely struggles for viral moments.

From BBC

This rapid rearrangement can heat plasma to millions of degrees and hurl energized particles away from the site, creating a solar flare.

From Science Daily

While he hurls baseless accusations and complaints in that episode, Funches presents a compelling case against another player, Atlanta Housewife Porsha Williams, at a banishment debate.

From Salon

My heart was in my throat as I hurled myself off my mount and raced to her side.

From Literature

Related Words

• fire
• fling
• heave
• lob
• sling