throw down

verb

threw down; thrown down; throwing down; throws down

transitive verb

1
: to cause to fall : overthrow
2
3
: to cast off : discard
4
: to make (a slam dunk) with exceptional force

Examples of throw down in a Sentence

throw down the gun, and put your hands up
Recent Examples on the Web Nicky, 39, threw down smiley face heart emojis to acknowledge the adorable post, while Paris' husband Carter Reum posted some heart emojis for his wife's sentiment. Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023 Graham throws down defense gauntlet For most of Thursday, rank-and-file senators from both parties bucked their leadership and were floating plans that could have derailed the Biden-McCarthy deal by seeking changes. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 2 June 2023 There were stories about people -- Kent being thrown down a well. Dateline Nbc, NBC News, 31 May 2023 Using two decks, players must throw down poker and other special card combinations to clear their hands before opponents. Fox News, 28 Aug. 2023 Zendaya and Tom Holland are throwing down on the basketball court for a good cause! Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 26 Aug. 2023 However the cofounder of the company may have been spurred into action by incoming active investors including Elliott Management and Starboard Value, which threw down a gauntlet for the company to cut costs and boost profit margins. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 June 2023 Anderson threw down his glove, just like a hockey player before a fight, and put up his fists. Mike Brehm, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2023 Others threw down their hardest moves while a circle of mourners chanted Mr. Sibley’s name one last time. Alex Vadukul, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'throw down.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw down was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near throw down

Cite this Entry

“Throw down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20down. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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