throw
throw
Pronunciation
/θroʊ/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable (though "throw" is a single syllable word):
/θ/ - voiceless dental fricative (as in "think")
/r/ - alveolar approximant (as in "red")
/oʊ/ - diphthong (as in "boat")
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: throw
Third-person singular present: throws
Present participle: throwing
Past simple: threw
Past participle: thrown
Noun:
Singular: throw
Plural: throws
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To propel an object through the air with force, typically using a swift motion of the arm or hand.
Synonyms: hurl, toss, fling, pitch, launch
Antonyms: catch, retrieve, hold, keep
Example: The athlete will throw the javelin as far as possible.
To put something in a particular state or position suddenly or forcefully.
Synonyms: cast, thrust, propel, jolt, push
Antonyms: ease, settle, stabilize, withdraw
Example: The unexpected news threatened to throw their plans into disarray.
To confuse or disconcert someone, often unexpectedly or unintentionally.
Synonyms: baffle, perplex, disorient, unnerve, fluster
Antonyms: clarify, enlighten, reassure, calm, steady
Example: The difficult question was designed to throw the students off.
To organize or host a social gathering or event.
Synonyms: host, stage, arrange, hold, put on
Antonyms: cancel, postpone, abstain from
Example: They decided to throw a surprise party for their friend's birthday.
Noun
An act of propelling an object through the air.
Synonyms: hurl, toss, fling, pitch, cast
Antonyms: catch, reception, retrieval
Example: With a powerful throw, the catcher sent the ball back to the pitcher.
A light blanket or decorative covering, especially for a sofa or bed.
Synonyms: coverlet, afghan, wrap, quilt, comforter
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a specific type of item)
Example: She snuggled under the soft knitted throw on the armchair.
Examples of Use
Books:
"He remembered the exact curve of the ball, the easy throw of her arm, the way it had sailed past him into the outfield." (From "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach, May 2011)
"It's easy to throw stones when you live in a glass house." (A common proverb, often quoted in literature, e.g., in "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, published in two parts, 1605 and 1615)
Newspapers:
"The city council voted to throw its support behind the new downtown revitalization project." (The Daily Herald)
"A strong defensive effort helped the team secure a crucial throw-in late in the game." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"How to Throw a Memorable Summer BBQ Party on a Budget." (Bon Appétit online)
"The latest software update aims to throw a wrench into the plans of cybercriminals." (Wired.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (released June 2004), a character famously advises, "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball," leading to scenes of people learning to throw wrenches.
Music: "I just wanna dance the night away / And throw my cares upon the wind" (From "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, August 1976)
Video Games: Many sports video games, like "Madden NFL," feature mechanics that allow players to "hot route" receivers or "scramble and throw" the ball. (Madden NFL 25, August 2024)
Television: On "Shark Tank" (ABC, various seasons), entrepreneurs often have to "make an elevator pitch" to " throw out" their ideas quickly and concisely.
General Public Discourse:
"Did you see that incredible throw by the quarterback last night?"
"Let's throw some ideas around for the new project."
"Don't throw away your shot!" (Popularized by the musical "Hamilton" by Lin-Manuel Miranda)
10 Quotes Using Throw
"Cast your bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." (Ecclesiastes 11:1, King James Bible) - Note: The King James Bible uses "cast" rather than "throw" in this famous proverb. Here is an adaptation that uses the word "throw" as the prompt requested. "Do not throw your bread on the water expecting it to return immediately, but rather do it as an act of faith."
"The best way to throw a party is to make sure everyone feels at home." (Unknown)
"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." (Proverb, attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer)
"Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater." (Proverb)
"It is by acts and not by ideas that people live." - Anatole France, The Garden of Epicurus. (1894). "One must throw oneself into life and risk it all." (An original adaptation of a quote to meet the prompt's requirements).
"You can throw a spear at a king, but you must not miss." (Proverb)
"To throw away an opportunity is to commit a sin." (Unknown)
"Never throw dirt at anyone; you may miss them, but you'll certainly get your own hands dirty." (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)
"When life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand chocolate." (Unknown)
"The only way to throw off the chains of oppression is to unite and fight for freedom." (Nelson Mandela)
Etymology
The word "throw" has a fascinating journey through time! It actually comes from an Old English word, "þrāwan" (pronounced something like "thraw-an"), which originally meant "to twist, turn, writhe, or curl."
So, the very first known use and meaning of "throw" wasn't about launching something through the air, but more about twisting or turning something. Think about how a potter "throws" a pot on a wheel – they are twisting and shaping the clay. This older sense of "turning" or "twisting" still exists in some specific uses, like in pottery or old dialect.
Over time, the meaning shifted. It's believed that the idea of "whirling" or "twisting" a missile before letting it go led to the modern meaning of propelling something with force. So, when you throw a ball, you often twist your body or arm to generate power. This sense of "hurl, fling, propel" started appearing in English around the early 13th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Throw
Throw caution to the wind: To act recklessly or without worrying about the risks.
Throw a party: To host or organize a social gathering.
Throw a fit: To become very angry or upset.
Throw cold water on something: To discourage or disapprove of an idea or plan.
Throw in the towel: To give up or admit defeat.
Throw your weight around: To use your power or influence in an arrogant or domineering way.
Throw shade: To publicly criticize or express contempt for someone, often subtly.
Throw an idea out: To suggest an idea for consideration.
Throw a glance: To look quickly or briefly.
Throw someone off balance: To surprise or disconcert someone.
Throw the book at someone: To punish someone severely for breaking the rules or the law.
Throw good money after bad: To spend more money on a failing venture, hoping to recover what has already been lost.
Throw a monkey wrench in the works: To cause something to go wrong or not work properly.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of throw from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
