26984 words

hurry

4 definitions • 16 examples
1
to move or do things more quickly than normal or to make someone do this:

Examples:

Hurry or you'll be late.
[ + to infinitive ] She hurried to answer the phone.
be hurried into I refuse to be hurried into a decision (= to be forced to make a decision too quickly).
hurry back After spending her lunch hour shopping, she hurried back (= returned quickly) to work.
I hate to hurry you, but I have to leave in a few minutes.
UK Don't hurry your food (= don't eat it too quickly).
2
the need to move or do things more quickly than normal:

Examples:

in a hurry We left in such a hurry that we forgot our tickets.
in any/no hurry "Can you wait a few minutes?" "Yes, I'm not in any hurry/I'm in no hurry (= I can wait)."
in a hurry to Are you in a hurry (= wanting) to leave?
What's (all) the hurry (for)/Why (all) the hurry? (= Why are you acting or moving so quickly?)
(great) hurry "I'll let you have this back next week." "That's all right, there's no (great) hurry/there isn't any (great) hurry (= no need to do it quickly)."
3
to move or act quickly, or to cause someone to move or act quickly:

Examples:

[ I ] We have to hurry if we’re going to make it there in time.
[ T ] I hurried the kids through their breakfasts.
4
the need to move or act more quickly than normal:

Examples:

We’ve got plenty of time – what’s the hurry (= Why hurry)?
He’s in a hurry to get to a meeting (= wants to get there quickly).
I’m in no hurry for the book (= I do not need it back quickly)– keep it as long as you want.

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