Hurtle

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hurtle

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb

Pronunciation

HUR-tul  /ˈhɜːt(ə)l/

Definition

To move at great speed, especially in a way that is uncontrolled or potentially dangerous; to hurl or propel with great force.

Plain meaning

To hurtle means to move very fast and with a sense of danger or being out of control — a car hurtling down a hill, a meteor hurtling through space, a project hurtling toward disaster. The word implies speed combined with a lack of restraint or control. It is more dramatic than merely moving quickly.

Register

Neutral to slightly dramatic. Hurtle is used in journalism, narrative writing, and everyday speech for rapid, uncontrolled, or alarming movement. It is more vivid than travel quickly or move fast — it implies the element of dangerous speed.