hurtle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhɜːrtl/
KK: /ˈhɜr.təl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To move very quickly and often in a way that makes a loud noise.
Example
The car hurtled down the highway at an incredible speed.
Tense Forms
Past: hurtled
Past Participle: hurtled
Conversation
Did you see that car hurtle down the street earlier?
Yeah, it was going way too fast for a residential area!
I know, right? It felt like it was going to crash into something.
I hope everyone is driving more carefully after that scare.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
race
dash
speed
Antonyms
crawl
lag
tarry
transitive verb
Definition
To throw something with a lot of force or speed.
Example
He hurtled the ball across the field.
Tense Forms
Past: hurtled
Past Participle: hurtled
Conversation
Did you see how fast he hurtled that ball across the field?
Yeah, I thought it was going to break the sound barrier!
I know, right? It's amazing how some players can hurtle the ball like that.
Root Explanation
Hurtle originates from Middle English 'hurtlen', which is of uncertain origin but may be related to the Old English 'hyrtian', meaning to rush or to move quickly. The word describes the action of moving swiftly and often violently.
Memory Tip
Imagine something moving quickly and violently, like a rush — that's what 'hurtle' means.
Visually Confused Words
turtle
hutlet
hustle
hurley
hurler
hurled
hurkle
hurdle