Pronunciation: ' thr ō
Function: verb
Inflected Form: threw \ ' thrü \ ; thrown \ ' thr ō n \ ; throw · ing
Etymology: Middle English thrawen, throwen to cause to twist, throw, from Old English thr ā wan to cause to twist or turn; akin to Old High German dr ā en to turn, Latin terere to rub, Greek tribein to rub, tetrainein to bore, pierce
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 a : to propel through the air by a forward motion of the hand and arm < throw a baseball> b : to propel through the air in any manner <a rifle that can throw a bullet a mile> c : PITCH 6B < threw a no-hitter>
2 a : to cause to fall < threw his opponent> b : to cause to fall off : UNSEAT <the horse threw its rider> c : to get the better of : OVERCOME <the problem didn't throw her>
3 a : to fling (oneself) precipitately < threw herself down on the sofa> b : to drive or impel violently : DASH <the ship was thrown on a reef>
4 a (1) : to put in a particular position or condition < threw her arms around him> < thrown into chaos> < threw him into prison> (2) : to put on or off hastily or carelessly < threw on a coat> b : to bring to bear : EXERT < threw all his efforts into the boy's defense> < throw their weight behind the proposal> c : BUILD , CONSTRUCT < threw a pontoon bridge over the river>
5 : to form or shape on a potter's wheel
6 : to deliver (a blow) in or as if in boxing
7 : to twist two or more filaments of into a thread or yarn
8 a : to make a cast of (dice or a specified number on dice) b : ROLL 1A < throw a bowling ball>
9 : to give up : ABANDON
10 : to send forth : PROJECT <the setting sun threw long shadows> also : SHED 3C < throw some light on the matter>
11 : to make (oneself) dependent : commit (oneself) for help, support, or protection < threw himself on the mercy of the court>
12 : DEPOSIT 2B <the wine throw s sediment>
13 : to perform (as a stunt) successfully < throw ing tricks on a skateboard>
14 : to indulge in : give way to < threw a temper tantrum>
15 a : to bring forth < throw s a good crop> b : to give birth to < threw large litters>
16 : to lose intentionally < throw a game>
17 a : to move (a lever) so as to connect or disconnect parts of a clutch or switch also : to make or break (a connection) with a lever b : to put (an automobile) in a different gear especially quickly or suddenly <he threw the car into reverse>
18 : to give by way of entertainment < throw a party>
intransitive verb : CAST , HURL
– throw · er \ ' thr ō - ə r \ noun
– throw cold water on : to discourage especially through pessimism or indifference
– throw money at : to spend large sums of money on or for especially recklessly or ineffectively <trying to solve problems by throwing money at them>
– throw one's weight around or throw one's weight about : to exercise influence or authority especially to an excessive degree or in an objectionable manner
– throw to the wolves : to leave unprotected against fierce opposition or attack
– throw together
1 : to put together in a hurried and usually careless manner <a bookshelf hastily thrown together >
2 : to bring into casual association <different kinds of people are thrown together ― Richard Sennett>
synonyms THROW , CAST , TOSS , FLING , HURL , PITCH , SLING mean to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force. THROW is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specif. imply a distinctive motion with bent arm <can throw a fastball and a curve>. CAST usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering < cast it to the winds>. TOSS suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion < tossed the coat on the bed>. FLING stresses a violent throwing < flung the ring back in his face>. HURL implies power as in throwing a massive weight < hurled himself at the intruder>. PITCH suggests throwing carefully at a target < pitch horseshoes>. SLING stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim < slung the bag over his shoulder>.