26984 words

throws

25 definitions • 36 examples
1
to send something through the air with force, especially by a sudden movement of the arm:

Examples:

throw a ball My friend threw the ball back over the fence.
The coat was thrown over the back of the chair.
She threw herself into a chair, exhausted.
The rider was thrown as the horse jumped the fence.
throw a punch He threw a punch at (= hit) his attacker.
2
to look quickly or suddenly:

Examples:

The boy threw a frightened look in the direction of the house.
3
to cause to move or act quickly or carelessly:

Examples:

throw something back She threw back her hair.
4
to confuse or shock someone or cause difficulty for them:

Examples:

I wasn't expecting a visitor. I was really thrown.
The news of the coup threw them into a state of panic.
5
to intentionally lose a game, etc., for example because you have been paid to lose:

Examples:

He was accused of accepting a bribe to throw a game.
They suspected the team of throwing games for money.
6
to open something that was closed, usually suddenly and completely:

Examples:

She drew back the curtains and threw open all the windows.
7
to allow people to enter or become involved in an event:

Examples:

The competition has been thrown open to the public.
8
to have a party:

Examples:

Flavio threw a party for Colin's 50th birthday.
9

Examples:

My mother threw a fit when she saw what a mess we'd made of her kitchen.
10
11
an act of throwing something:

Examples:

a throw of the dice
12
used to mean each thing or for each time:

Examples:

We could get a coffee in there but they charge three quid a throw.
13
a large piece of cloth that you use to cover a chair, sofa, etc. to make it look attractive:

Examples:

A throw can protect a new sofa or enhance the appearance of an old, tired one.
14
to send something through the air, esp. by a sudden movement of the arm:

Examples:

[ T ] Throw me the ball./Throw the ball to me.
[ I ] I didn’t throw as well as I expected to.
[ T ] He was thrown from his motorcycle.
15
to move something quickly or with a lack of attention, or to cause someone or something to move quickly:

Examples:

He threw the switch and the lights came on.
Suddenly, she grabbed the snake and threw it to the ground.
[ M ] They threw up their hands to protect themselves from the hail.
[ M ] He threw his head back and laughed.
[ M ] Throw a few peppers in the pot.
16
to confuse someone:

Examples:

That question really threw me at first.
17
the act of throwing something, esp. a ball:

Examples:

She timed her throw so the ball reached the base when he did.
18
to punish someone as severely as possible for breaking the law:

Examples:

The US tax authorities threw the book at the European accountancy group over its tax-saving schemes.
19
to waste money by continuing to invest in something that has already cost a lot and is unlikely to be a success:

Examples:

The government may be throwing good money after bad by using taxpayers' money to bail out the failing banks.
20
to announce that you want to compete for something, be considered for a job, etc.:

Examples:

He is the sixth candidate to throw his hat into the ring for the top job in the organization.
21
to spend a lot of money, especially in a way that shows people you are not worried about money:

Examples:

Despite the biggest recession in over a decade, city professionals still seem to have plenty of money to throw around.
22
to try to solve a problem or make something successful by spending a lot of money, rather than, for example, having new ideas:

Examples:

The government will have to throw money at any problems to ensure the site is built on time.
23
to waste money by spending it on something that will never be a success or make any profit:

Examples:

Investors threw money down the drain by making regular contributions to the failed pension plan.
24
to act in a way that emphasizes how much power or authority you have:

Examples:

The board didn't like the way majority shareholders were throwing their weight around.
25
to use your power to support a project, an idea, etc.:

Examples:

Senior politicians threw their weight behind the charity's campaign.

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