WordGarden.iohurl
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɜːl/
US
- /ˈhɜrl/
Meanings
Verb
to throw something or oneself forcefully
to say or shout something angrily, especially insults
to vomit
Noun
a forceful throw
Beyond the definition
To hurl something means to throw it with great force, often in anger, fear, or urgency. Imagine a baseball player hurling the ball toward home plate, or someone hurling a rock through a window. It suggests more than just throwing; it adds power and strong intent. People can also hurl insults during an argument, and a storm might hurl rain against your windows. In informal English, hurl can also mean to vomit, especially when someone feels suddenly very sick.
The word "hurl" brings to mind a strong, forceful throw. It is not a gentle toss; it is the kind of throw that carries power, speed, and often emotion. Think of ancient warriors hurling spears at their enemies or a child in a tantrum hurling toys across the room. The act often suggests both physical force and a strong feeling behind it.
This sense of impact remains strong in modern English. While you might throw a ball to a friend, you would hurl it if you were trying to hit something hard or send it flying with real force. The word often appears in scenes of action, anger, panic, or violence.
Beyond physical objects, "hurl" can also be used figuratively. People hurl accusations, insults, or abuse at each other during heated arguments. A storm might hurl wind and rain against the coast. In these cases, the word keeps the same feeling of force, as if words or weather are being thrown with great power.
There is also a common informal meaning: to hurl can mean to vomit. Someone who feels terribly sick after bad food, rough travel, or too much drink might say they are going to hurl. This use is much more casual and spoken than the "throw with force" meaning, but it is common enough that learners should know it.
So, whether it is a physical object sent flying, harsh words thrown at someone, or an informal way to say "vomit," "hurl" is a vivid word with a strong sense of force and intensity.
Examples
- 1
Anger
In a rage, he hurled his phone onto the sofa.
- 2
Crowd violence
Someone in the crowd hurled a bottle at the stage.
- 3
Explosion
The explosion hurled debris across the street.
- 4
Angry speech
As she walked away, he hurled an insult after her.
- Patternhurl an insult
say it in a very angry, forceful way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Press interview
During the interview, reporters hurled questions at the coach.
- Patternhurl questions at + person
ask many questions in a forceful way
- 6
Job search
After losing his job, he hurled himself into looking for a new one.
- Patternhurl yourself into + activity
start doing it with a lot of energy
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hurlverbnoun
Forms
- hurling-ing formverbnoun
- hurledpast tenseverbnoun
- hurlsverbnoun