throw
♦♦ throw /θr'oʊ/ (throws throwing threw thrown)
1 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n, V n with adv, V n n
When you throw an object that you are holding, you move your hand or arm quickly and let go of the object, so that it moves through the air.
He spent hours throwing a tennis ball against a wall...
The crowd began throwing stones...
Sophia jumps up and throws down her knitting...
He threw Brian a rope.
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Throw is also a noun.
One of the judges thought it was a foul throw...
A throw of the dice allows a player to move himself forward.
● throwing [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
He didn't really know very much about javelin throwing.
2 [VERB] V n prep, V pron-refl prep/adv, V n with adv
If you throw your body or part of your body into a particular position or place, you move it there suddenly and with a lot of force.
She threw her arms around his shoulders...
She threatened to throw herself in front of a train...
He set his skinny legs apart and threw back his shoulders.
3 [VERB] V n prep/adv
If you throw something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick and careless way.
He struggled out of his bulky jacket and threw it on to the back seat...
4 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv
To throw someone into a particular place or position means to force them roughly into that place or position.
He threw me to the ground and started to kick...
The device exploded, throwing Mr Taylor from his car.
5 [VERB] be V-ed in/into n, V n in/into n
If you say that someone is thrown into prison, you mean that they are put there by the authorities, especially if this seems unfair or cruel.
Those two should have been thrown in jail...
Police should have the power to fine people who hamper rescue efforts. In fact I'd throw them into prison for a night.
6 [VERB] V n
If a horse throws its rider, it makes him or her fall off, by suddenly jumping or moving violently.
The horse reared, throwing its rider and knocking down a youth standing beside it.
7 [VERB] be V-ed prep, V n prep
If a person or thing is thrown into an unpleasant situation or state, something causes them to be in that situation or state.
Abidjan was thrown into turmoil because of a protest by taxi drivers...
Economic recession had thrown millions out of work...
8 [VERB] V n on/onto n
If something throws light or a shadow on a surface, it causes that surface to have light or a shadow on it.
The sunlight is white and blinding, throwing hard-edged shadows on the ground.
= cast
9 [VERB] V n on/upon n
If something throws doubt on a person or thing, it causes people to doubt or suspect them.
This new information does throw doubt on their choice...
= cast
10 [VERB] no cont, V n n, also V n at n
If you throw a look or smile at someone or something, you look or smile at them quickly and suddenly.
Emily turned and threw her a suggestive grin.
11 [VERB] V pron-refl into n, V n into n
If you throw yourself, your energy, or your money into a particular job or activity, you become involved in it very actively or enthusiastically.
She threw herself into a modelling career...
They threw all their military resources into the battle.
12 [VERB] V n
If you throw a fit or a tantrum, you suddenly start to behave in an uncontrolled way.
I used to get very upset and scream and swear, throwing tantrums all over the place.
13 [VERB] V n
If something such as a remark or an experience throws you, it surprises you or confuses you because it is unexpected.
The professor rather threw me by asking if I went in for martial arts...
14 [VERB] V n
If you throw a punch, you punch someone.
Everything was fine until someone threw a punch.
15 [VERB] V n
When someone throws a party, they organize one, usually in their own home. (INFORMAL)
Why not throw a party for your friends?
16 [VERB] V n
In sports, if a player throws a game or contest, they lose it as a result of a deliberate action or intention.
...offering him a bribe to throw the game.
17 [N-COUNT]
A throw is a light rug, blanket, or cover for a sofa or bed.
18 [PHRASE] amount PHR
If things cost a particular amount of money a throw, they cost that amount each. (INFORMAL)
Most applications software for personal computers cost over $500 a throw.
19 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone throws themselves at you, they make it very obvious that they want to begin a relationship with you, by behaving as though they are sexually attracted to you.
I'll say you started it, that you threw yourself at me.
20
to throw someone in at the deep end: see end
to throw down the gauntlet: see gauntlet
to throw light on something: see light
to throw in your lot with someone: see lot
to throw money at something: see money
to throw good money after bad: see money
to throw a spanner in the works: see spanner
a stone's throw: see stone
to throw in the towel: see towel
to throw your weight about: see weight
to throw a wrench: see wrenchthrow away
or throw out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
When you throw away or throw out something that you do not want, you get rid of it, for example by putting it in a rubbish container.
I never throw anything away...
I'm not advising you to throw away your makeup or forget about your appearance.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you throw away an opportunity, advantage, or benefit, you waste it, rather than using it sensibly.
Failing to tackle the deficit would be throwing away an opportunity we haven't had for a generation...
We should have won. We threw it away.
see also throwawaythrow back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P at n, also V P at n n
If you throw something back at a person, you remind them of something bad they did in the past, in order to upset them.
I should never have told you that. I knew you'd throw it back at me.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, be V-ed P on n
If someone is thrown back on their own powers or resources, they have to use them, because there is nothing else they can use.
We are constantly thrown back on our own resources.throw down
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V-ed P
If you throw down a challenge to someone, you do something new or unexpected in a bold or forceful manner that will probably cause them to reply or react equally strongly.
The regional parliament threw down a new challenge to the central authorities by passing a law allowing private ownership of businesses...
Government ministers have been responding to the challenge thrown down by their former colleague.throw in
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw in a remark when having a conversation, you add it in a casual or unexpected way.
Occasionally Farling threw in a question.
= toss in
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V-ed P, also V n P
If a person who is selling something throws in something extra, they give you the extra thing and only ask you to pay for the first thing.
Pay £4.80 for larger prints and they throw in a free photo album...
They were offering me a weekend break in Paris-with free beer thrown in.
= includethrow off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you throw off something that is restricting you or making you unhappy, you get rid of it.
...a country ready to throw off the shackles of its colonial past...
One day depression descended upon him, and wherever he went after that he could never throw it off.
= cast off
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If something throws off a substance, it produces it and releases it into the air.
The belt may make a squealing noise and throw off sooty black particles of rubber...
= give off
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P n, also V n P
If you throw off people who are chasing you or trying to find you, you do something unexpected that makes them unable to catch you or find you.
He is said to have thrown off pursuers by pedaling across the Wisconsin state line...
He tried to throw police off the track of his lover.throw out
1
see throw away 1
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If a judge throws out a case, he or she rejects it and the accused person does not have to stand trial.
The defense wants the district Judge to throw out the case.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] be/get V-ed P of n, V n P of n, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw someone out, you force them to leave a place or group.
He was thrown out of the Olympic team after testing positive for drugs...
I wanted to kill him, but instead I just threw him out of the house...
The party threw out the Trotskyist Militant Tendency.throw together
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw something together, for example a meal or a costume, you make it quickly and not very carefully. (INFORMAL)
Too often, picnic preparation consists of throwing together some sandwiches and grabbing an apple.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] pl-n be V-ed P, V-ed P, be V-ed P with n, also V pl-n P, V P pl-n (not pron), V n P with n
If people are thrown together by a situation or event, it causes them to get to know each other, even though they may not want to.
The cast and crew were thrown together for 12 hours a day, six days a week, until the filming was completed...
If you have men and women thrown together in inhospitable surroundings, you are going to get some sexual tension...
My husband is constantly thrown together with young people through his work.throw up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When someone throws up, they vomit. (INFORMAL)
She said she had thrown up after reading reports of the trial.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If something throws up dust, stones, or water, when it moves or hits the ground, it causes them to rise up into the air.
If it had hit the Earth, it would have made a crater 100 miles across and thrown up an immense cloud of dust.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
To throw up a particular person or thing means to produce them or cause them to become noticeable. (mainly BRIT)
The political struggle threw up a strong leader...
1 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n, V n with adv, V n n
When you throw an object that you are holding, you move your hand or arm quickly and let go of the object, so that it moves through the air.
He spent hours throwing a tennis ball against a wall...
The crowd began throwing stones...
Sophia jumps up and throws down her knitting...
He threw Brian a rope.
[N-COUNT] oft N of n
Throw is also a noun.
One of the judges thought it was a foul throw...
A throw of the dice allows a player to move himself forward.
● throwing [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
He didn't really know very much about javelin throwing.
2 [VERB] V n prep, V pron-refl prep/adv, V n with adv
If you throw your body or part of your body into a particular position or place, you move it there suddenly and with a lot of force.
She threw her arms around his shoulders...
She threatened to throw herself in front of a train...
He set his skinny legs apart and threw back his shoulders.
3 [VERB] V n prep/adv
If you throw something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick and careless way.
He struggled out of his bulky jacket and threw it on to the back seat...
4 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv
To throw someone into a particular place or position means to force them roughly into that place or position.
He threw me to the ground and started to kick...
The device exploded, throwing Mr Taylor from his car.
5 [VERB] be V-ed in/into n, V n in/into n
If you say that someone is thrown into prison, you mean that they are put there by the authorities, especially if this seems unfair or cruel.
Those two should have been thrown in jail...
Police should have the power to fine people who hamper rescue efforts. In fact I'd throw them into prison for a night.
6 [VERB] V n
If a horse throws its rider, it makes him or her fall off, by suddenly jumping or moving violently.
The horse reared, throwing its rider and knocking down a youth standing beside it.
7 [VERB] be V-ed prep, V n prep
If a person or thing is thrown into an unpleasant situation or state, something causes them to be in that situation or state.
Abidjan was thrown into turmoil because of a protest by taxi drivers...
Economic recession had thrown millions out of work...
8 [VERB] V n on/onto n
If something throws light or a shadow on a surface, it causes that surface to have light or a shadow on it.
The sunlight is white and blinding, throwing hard-edged shadows on the ground.
= cast
9 [VERB] V n on/upon n
If something throws doubt on a person or thing, it causes people to doubt or suspect them.
This new information does throw doubt on their choice...
= cast
10 [VERB] no cont, V n n, also V n at n
If you throw a look or smile at someone or something, you look or smile at them quickly and suddenly.
Emily turned and threw her a suggestive grin.
11 [VERB] V pron-refl into n, V n into n
If you throw yourself, your energy, or your money into a particular job or activity, you become involved in it very actively or enthusiastically.
She threw herself into a modelling career...
They threw all their military resources into the battle.
12 [VERB] V n
If you throw a fit or a tantrum, you suddenly start to behave in an uncontrolled way.
I used to get very upset and scream and swear, throwing tantrums all over the place.
13 [VERB] V n
If something such as a remark or an experience throws you, it surprises you or confuses you because it is unexpected.
The professor rather threw me by asking if I went in for martial arts...
14 [VERB] V n
If you throw a punch, you punch someone.
Everything was fine until someone threw a punch.
15 [VERB] V n
When someone throws a party, they organize one, usually in their own home. (INFORMAL)
Why not throw a party for your friends?
16 [VERB] V n
In sports, if a player throws a game or contest, they lose it as a result of a deliberate action or intention.
...offering him a bribe to throw the game.
17 [N-COUNT]
A throw is a light rug, blanket, or cover for a sofa or bed.
18 [PHRASE] amount PHR
If things cost a particular amount of money a throw, they cost that amount each. (INFORMAL)
Most applications software for personal computers cost over $500 a throw.
19 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone throws themselves at you, they make it very obvious that they want to begin a relationship with you, by behaving as though they are sexually attracted to you.
I'll say you started it, that you threw yourself at me.
20
to throw someone in at the deep end: see end
to throw down the gauntlet: see gauntlet
to throw light on something: see light
to throw in your lot with someone: see lot
to throw money at something: see money
to throw good money after bad: see money
to throw a spanner in the works: see spanner
a stone's throw: see stone
to throw in the towel: see towel
to throw your weight about: see weight
to throw a wrench: see wrenchthrow away
or throw out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron)
When you throw away or throw out something that you do not want, you get rid of it, for example by putting it in a rubbish container.
I never throw anything away...
I'm not advising you to throw away your makeup or forget about your appearance.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you throw away an opportunity, advantage, or benefit, you waste it, rather than using it sensibly.
Failing to tackle the deficit would be throwing away an opportunity we haven't had for a generation...
We should have won. We threw it away.
see also throwawaythrow back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P at n, also V P at n n
If you throw something back at a person, you remind them of something bad they did in the past, in order to upset them.
I should never have told you that. I knew you'd throw it back at me.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, be V-ed P on n
If someone is thrown back on their own powers or resources, they have to use them, because there is nothing else they can use.
We are constantly thrown back on our own resources.throw down
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V-ed P
If you throw down a challenge to someone, you do something new or unexpected in a bold or forceful manner that will probably cause them to reply or react equally strongly.
The regional parliament threw down a new challenge to the central authorities by passing a law allowing private ownership of businesses...
Government ministers have been responding to the challenge thrown down by their former colleague.throw in
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw in a remark when having a conversation, you add it in a casual or unexpected way.
Occasionally Farling threw in a question.
= toss in
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V-ed P, also V n P
If a person who is selling something throws in something extra, they give you the extra thing and only ask you to pay for the first thing.
Pay £4.80 for larger prints and they throw in a free photo album...
They were offering me a weekend break in Paris-with free beer thrown in.
= includethrow off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you throw off something that is restricting you or making you unhappy, you get rid of it.
...a country ready to throw off the shackles of its colonial past...
One day depression descended upon him, and wherever he went after that he could never throw it off.
= cast off
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If something throws off a substance, it produces it and releases it into the air.
The belt may make a squealing noise and throw off sooty black particles of rubber...
= give off
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P n, also V n P
If you throw off people who are chasing you or trying to find you, you do something unexpected that makes them unable to catch you or find you.
He is said to have thrown off pursuers by pedaling across the Wisconsin state line...
He tried to throw police off the track of his lover.throw out
1
see throw away 1
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If a judge throws out a case, he or she rejects it and the accused person does not have to stand trial.
The defense wants the district Judge to throw out the case.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] be/get V-ed P of n, V n P of n, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw someone out, you force them to leave a place or group.
He was thrown out of the Olympic team after testing positive for drugs...
I wanted to kill him, but instead I just threw him out of the house...
The party threw out the Trotskyist Militant Tendency.throw together
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If you throw something together, for example a meal or a costume, you make it quickly and not very carefully. (INFORMAL)
Too often, picnic preparation consists of throwing together some sandwiches and grabbing an apple.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] pl-n be V-ed P, V-ed P, be V-ed P with n, also V pl-n P, V P pl-n (not pron), V n P with n
If people are thrown together by a situation or event, it causes them to get to know each other, even though they may not want to.
The cast and crew were thrown together for 12 hours a day, six days a week, until the filming was completed...
If you have men and women thrown together in inhospitable surroundings, you are going to get some sexual tension...
My husband is constantly thrown together with young people through his work.throw up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When someone throws up, they vomit. (INFORMAL)
She said she had thrown up after reading reports of the trial.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
If something throws up dust, stones, or water, when it moves or hits the ground, it causes them to rise up into the air.
If it had hit the Earth, it would have made a crater 100 miles across and thrown up an immense cloud of dust.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
To throw up a particular person or thing means to produce them or cause them to become noticeable. (mainly BRIT)
The political struggle threw up a strong leader...