First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
hurl
verb \ˈhər(-ə)l\
: to throw (something) with force
: to say or shout (something, such as an insult) in a loud and forceful way
hurledhurl·ing \ˈhər-liŋ\
Full Definition of HURL
intransitive verb
2
: pitch 5a, b
3
: vomit
transitive verb
1
: to send or thrust with great vigor <the forces that were to be hurled against the Turks — N. T. Gilroy>
2
: to throw down with violence
3
4
: to utter with vehemence <hurled insults at the police>
— hurl noun
— hurl·er \ˈhər-lər\ noun
See hurl defined for English-language learners
See hurl defined for kids
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Origin of HURL
Middle English
Related to HURL
Synonym Discussion of HURL
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 specifically 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>.
HURLER Defined for Kids
hurl
verb \ˈhərl\
hurledhurl·ing
Definition of HURL for Kids
: to throw with force <We hurled buckets of water on the flames.>
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