hurl

[ hurl ]

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

/ hɜːl /

verb

1. tr to throw or propel with great force
2. tr to utter with force; yell

   to hurl insults

3. hʌrl to transport or be transported in a driven vehicle

noun

1. the act or an instance of hurling
2. hʌrl a ride in a driven vehicle

Derived Forms

• ˈhurler, noun

Other Words From

• hurler noun
• outhurl verb (used with object)
• un·hurled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurl¹

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurl¹

C13: probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

The 68-year-old was known for his political theatrics - one of his signature moves involved hurling bananas as a sign of protest.

From BBC

He shows me the video he took from his apartment as floating cars were hurled against the walls below him.

From BBC

My last experience of having the name hurled at me on the street shocked me not so much in the name-calling, but the absolute lack of contrition shown even when challenged.

From BBC

Sophy’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, said in a statement to Rolling Stone that Young’s filing “hurled ugly and unfair claims of racism at my client.”

From Los Angeles Times

Spanish media reports that objects were hurled at Sánchez, while footage verified by the BBC appears to show stones being thrown at his car as he was driven away.

From BBC

Related Words

• fire
• fling
• heave
• lob
• sling