hurl

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/hɜːrl/
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A forceful throw or act of throwing, with related verb uses for angry speech and an informal sense meaning to vomit.
Practice using hurl in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • A protester hurled a bottle at the police line.
  • The quarterback hurls the football downfield.
  • The spinning ride left me ready to hurl.
  • Online trolls often hurl cruel language at strangers.
  • The storm hurled branches against the windows.

Similar words

shout
cast
cast
launch
pitch
fling
throw
puke
be sick
throw up

Meanings

Throw with great force

verb
physical action
neutral
To throw something hard, fast, or violently, often because of anger, effort, or danger.

Examples

  • She hurled the ball across the field.
  • He hurled a stone into the river.
  • The storm hurled branches against the windows.
  • The quarterback hurls the football downfield.
  • I hurled my backpack onto the couch.
  • A protester hurled a bottle at the police line.

Similar words

throw
fling
heave
pitch
sling
launch
cast

Throw out harsh words

verb
communication
neutral
To direct insults, accusations, abuse, or other harsh words at someone with force and anger.

Examples

  • He hurled accusations without evidence.
  • She hurled insults at the rival team.
  • The crowd hurled abuse at the referee.
  • They were hurling curses after the loss.
  • Online trolls often hurl cruel language at strangers.
  • The host hurled a tirade at the guest.

Similar words

shout
yell
bellow
spit
throw
launch
direct

Vomit

verb
health
informal
To vomit, especially suddenly or because of sickness, disgust, or too much alcohol.

Examples

  • The smell made him hurl.
  • I thought I was going to hurl on the roller coaster.
  • She felt so seasick that she nearly hurled.
  • He ran to the bathroom and hurled.
  • Too much cheap beer made several people hurl.
  • The spinning ride left me ready to hurl.

Similar words

vomit
puke
throw up
retch
be sick

Forceful throw

noun
sport
neutral
An act of throwing something with force.

Examples

  • His final hurl sent the javelin past the marker.
  • The crowd gasped at the powerful hurl.
  • With one hurl, she cleared the fence.
  • The coach praised the distance of his hurl.
  • A wild hurl sent the ball into the stands.
  • The competition measured each hurl carefully.

Similar words

throw
fling
heave
cast
pitch
launch

Etymology

From Middle English hurlen, "to rush, collide, or throw", probably connected with a Germanic root suggesting rapid motion.

FAQ

What does hurl mean?

Hurl usually means to throw something with great force, often violently or angrily.

Can hurl mean shout insults?

Yes. To hurl insults, abuse, or accusations is to direct harsh words at someone forcefully.

Can hurl mean vomit?

Yes. In informal English, hurl can mean to vomit.

Is hurl stronger than throw?

Yes. Hurl suggests more force, anger, speed, or violence than ordinary throw.

Can hurl be a noun?

Yes. A hurl can be an act of throwing something forcefully, though throw is more common.

What is the past tense of hurl?

The past tense and past participle are hurled.

Where does hurl come from?

Hurl comes from Middle English hurlen, with early senses of rushing, colliding, and throwing.

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