Hurtle means to move very fast, often in a wild or uncontrolled way—like something that’s rushing forward and might crash or collide if it doesn’t stop.
In everyday speech, people use it when they want to stress both speed and danger: a kid might shout that her bike is hurtling downhill, a commuter says the train hurtled through the station without stopping, or a friend describes papers hurtling off a desk when the window blew open. It’s more dramatic than “speed” or “rush” because it hints you could lose control at any moment.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The car hurtled around the corner and screeched to a halt.
- Leaves hurtled past us during the sudden storm.
- He accidentally sent the phone hurtling off the table.
Context / Common Use
“Hurtle” shows up in news headlines about sports, weather, or accidents: “Hailstones hurtled onto the highway,” or “The skateboarder hurtled down the ramp.” People rarely use it for gentle motion; it always carries a sense of speed that could end in a bang.
Is “hurtle” the same as “hurdle”?
No. “Hurtle” means to rush or fly fast; “hurdle” is a barrier you jump over or the act of jumping it.
Can I say “She hurtled herself at the door”?
Yes. In casual speech, people say “she hurtled herself” to show she threw her body forward quickly.
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