verb

hurtle

Hurtle (verb) means to propel or throw (something) hard or violently; to fling, to hurl.

verb

To propel or throw (something) hard or violently; to fling, to hurl.

To cause (someone or something) to collide with or hit another person or thing; or (two people or things) to collide with or hit each other.

To attack or criticize (someone) verbally or in writing.

To move rapidly, violently, or without control, especially in a noisy manner.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “hurtle” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

The verb is derived from Middle English hurtelen, hurtlen (“to cast, hurl, throw; to charge at; to clash in combat, fight; to collide; to injure; to knock down; to propel, push, thrust; to rush; to stumble”) [and other forms], from hurten (“to injure, wound, hurt (physically or figuratively); to damage, impair; to hurt one’s feelings, humiliate; to receive an injury; to collide into; to propel, push, thrust; to stumble”) (see further at English hurt (verb)) + -el-, -elen (frequentative suffix). The English word is analysable as hurt (“(obsolete) to knock; to strike”) + -le (frequentative suffix). The noun is derived from the verb.

Rhymes for hurtle

turtle

See all rhymes for hurtle →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of hurtle?

"hurtle" (verb) means to propel or throw (something) hard or violently; to fling, to hurl.

What are the different meanings of hurtle?

"hurtle" has 3 main meanings: 1. To propel or throw (something) hard or violently; to fling, to hurl; 2. To cause (someone or something) to collide with or hit another person or thing; or (two people or things) to collide with or hit each other; 3. To attack or criticize (someone) verbally or in writing.