Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To discard or dispose of something as unwanted or useless: To get rid of something by putting it in a trash receptacle or otherwise abandoning it.
   • To waste or squander something valuable, such as an opportunity, money, or talent: To fail to use something productively or advantageously.

Usage

• The core meaning is to treat something as garbage or to fail to utilize something properly.
• It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., "throw it away").
• Often used literally for physical objects and figuratively for abstract concepts like chances or effort.

Examples

• Literal (discard):
  • Don't throw away those old magazines; I want to read them.
  • She threw the broken vase away.
• Figurative (waste):
  • He threw away his chance to study abroad by not applying.
  • It's a shame to throw away all that hard work.

Advanced Usage

• "To throw away one's life": To waste one's potential or life through poor choices.
  • He felt he had thrown away his life on meaningless pursuits.
• "A throwaway line/remark": A comment made casually without serious thought, often intended to be humorous or dismissive.
  • The politician's throwaway remark caused an unexpected controversy.

Variants and Related Words

• Throwaway (adjective): Designed to be discarded after use.
  • We used throwaway plates at the picnic.
• Throwaway (noun): An item intended to be discarded after brief use, or a casual remark.
  • The brochure was just a cheap throwaway.
  • His insult was more than just a throwaway.

Synonyms

• Discard: To get rid of something no longer useful or desirable.
• Dispose of: To throw away or get rid of.
• Jettison: To cast or throw overboard, or to discard something as an burden.
• Squander: To waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless or foolish manner.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Throw out: Very similar to "throw away," meaning to discard. Can also mean to eject someone from a place.
  • We need to throw out this spoiled milk.
• Cast aside: To discard or reject someone or something.
  • He cast aside his old doubts and decided to try.

Related Idioms

• "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater": A warning not to discard something valuable along with things that are unwanted.
  • The system has flaws, but let's fix it, not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Verb

1. get rid of
   • he shed his image as a pushy boss
   • shed your clothes
2. throw or cast away
   • Put away your worries