throw down

verb

threw down; thrown down; throwing down; throws down

transitive verb

1

: to cause to fall : overthrow

2

: precipitate

3

: to cast off : discard

4

: to make (a slam dunk) with exceptional force

Synonyms of throw down

• throw
• drop

Examples of throw down in a Sentence

throw down the gun, and put your hands up

Recent Examples on the Web

Digital-payment services might be more convenient, but they can’t be held, flashed, or thrown down on a restaurant table. — Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Rather than throwing down the gauntlet, gather information and approach the situation with an open mind. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2026

The losing bidders and Springfield mayor aren’t the only ones throwing down a yellow card. — Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 July 2026

After dropping 63 points in his rookie season, the 20-year-old threw down a wildly impressive 115 points (46G, 70A). — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for throw down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown