(throws, throwing, threw, thrown)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
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.
VERB: V n prep/adv, V n, V n with adv, V n 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.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
• throwing
He didn't really know very much about javelin throwing.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
2.
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.
VERB: V n prep, V pron-refl prep/adv, V n with adv
3.
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...
VERB: V n prep/adv
4.
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.
VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv
5.
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.
VERB: be V-ed in/into n, V n in/into n
6.
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.
VERB: V n
7.
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...
VERB: be V-ed prep, V n prep
8.
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
VERB: V n on/onto n
9.
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
VERB: V n on/upon n
10.
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.
VERB: no cont, V n n, also V n at n
11.
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.
VERB: V pron-refl into n, V n into n
12.
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.
VERB: V n
13.
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...
VERB: V n
14.
If you throw a punch, you punch someone.
Everything was fine until someone threw a punch.
VERB: V n
15.
When someone throws a party, they organize one, usually in their own home. (INFORMAL)
Why not throw a party for your friends?
VERB: V n
16.
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.
VERB: V n
17.
A throw is a light rug, blanket, or cover for a sofa or bed.
N-COUNT
18.
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.
PHRASE: amount PHR
19.
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.
PHRASE: V inflects
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