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

But for true diva status, you need to hurl a phone at an assistant (Naomi Campbell).

From The Daily Beast

One landlord even paid somebody to hurl a Molotov cocktail into an apartment just to smoke out tenants and jack up rents.

From The Daily Beast

“You demand loyalty from people, but you never show it,” he complained to the boss, prompting Ailes to hurl a water bottle at him.

From The Daily Beast

When it comes to the Syria conflict, recent developments may hurl us off the cliff.

From The Daily Beast

Faking an illness is an accusation you would hurl at a third grader who wants to stay home from school.

From The Daily Beast

It needed only an exertion of will for the soul to hurl the body ashore as wind drives paper; to waft it kite-fashion to the bank.

From Project Gutenberg

He waited until he was old and cold to hurl anathema against the human passions.

From Project Gutenberg

The most skilful in this exercise are some species of baboons, which can hurl branches, stones, or hard clods with much dexterity.

From Project Gutenberg

He could fly level now; every unit of force could be used for forward flight to hurl him onward faster and faster into the night.

From Project Gutenberg

Again an ague of beauty caught him, and he needed to hurl himself full length upon the mats until the ecstacy was past.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fire
• fling
• heave
• lob
• sling