hurtle
What does "hurtle" mean?
To hurtle means to move at a high speed, typically in an uncontrolled or reckless manner. The mental image is of an object or person being propelled forward with great force, often implying a sense of danger or lack of steering, similar to a stone thrown through the air or a vehicle losing control. While it denotes speed, it is more dramatic and specific than "run" or "drive." You will often see it used in descriptive writing or journalism to convey intensity. It is frequently paired with directional prepositions like "down," "along," or "toward" to emphasize the trajectory of the movement.
"hurtle" in conversation
Watching a race
Did you see that car hurtle around the final corner?
Did you see that car hurtle around the final corner?
It was terrifying, I thought it would flip over.
It was terrifying, I thought it would flip over.
Used to describe a high-speed, potentially dangerous movement.
After a storm
The debris started to hurtle through the air during the wind gusts.
The debris started to hurtle through the air during the wind gusts.
We should have stayed in the basement.
We should have stayed in the basement.
Highlights the lack of control in the object's path.
"hurtle" in a sentence
The ball hurtled across the field.
The ball hurtled across the field.
The train hurtled through the tunnel at breakneck speed.
The train hurtled through the tunnel at breakneck speed.
She watched the comet hurtle toward the horizon, illuminating the dark sky.
She watched the comet hurtle toward the horizon, illuminating the dark sky.
