throw up

verb

threw up; thrown up; throwing up; throws up

intransitive verb

: vomit

transitive verb

1

: vomit

2

: to raise quickly

3

: to build hurriedly

new houses thrown up almost overnight

4

: give up, quit

the urge … to throw up all intellectual work

—Norman Mailer

5

: to bring forth : produce

6

: to make distinct especially by contrast : cause to stand out

7

: to mention repeatedly by way of reproach

Phrases

throw up one's hands

: to admit defeat

in the end throws up his hands in despair

—Frank Conroy

Synonyms

• barf
• gag
• heave
• hurl
• puke
• retch
• spew
• spit up
• upchuck
• vomit

Examples of throw up in a Sentence

she must have eaten something that didn't agree with her because she threw up right after dinner

when the townspeople realized that the President's motorcade would be coming through on its way to the conference, they threw up a hasty “Welcome” sign

Recent Examples on the Web

United’s new head coach tackles his first game in charge, and with the 39-year-old expected to implement the three-at-the-back system that became his hallmark at Portugal’s Sporting CP, his vision throws up a bevvy of selection dilemmas. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024

Two worlds, one of a dwindling aristocracy, and the other of racing capitalism converge and throw up a whirlwind of clashing ambitions, steamy romance, chic couture and fashion-forward Instagrammable moments. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

The dramatic photos show the black horse throwing up its head and Prince Andrew pulling back on the reins while up in the stirrups, reacting to get the animal under control. —Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

Daboll stormed around on the sidelines and threw up his hands whenever Jones made key mistakes. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Kids Definition

throw up

verb

1

: to build or raise hurriedly or quickly

threw up the window

2

: to give up : quit

just wanted to throw the whole thing up

3

: vomit entry 2 sense 1

Medical Definition

throw up

intransitive verb

ˌthrō-ˈəp 

: vomit