verb

chuck

To throw or discard something casually.

She chucks her backpack onto the couch after school.

Etymology

The throwing verb developed from a word for a short blow or tap. Discarding something extends the casual throwing action.

More examples

  • Chuck me a towel so I can dry off.
  • We chucked the broken umbrella in the trash.
  • The kids are chucking pebbles into the pond.

Forms

chuck · chucks · chucked · chucking

Similar words

toss
Usually suggests a light throw rather than discarding something.
throw
More general; does not necessarily suggest casual handling.
discard
Means getting rid of something, without necessarily throwing it.