outthrow
Low (archaic/poetic/literary)Literary, poetic, archaic. Rare in everyday speech.
Definition
Meaning
to throw or cast out; to surpass in throwing; to throw further or more effectively.
To defeat, overcome, or depose someone; to expel or eject forcefully. In modern use, often metaphorical for surpassing or displacing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary physical sense ('throw out') is now rare. Dominant use is metaphorical: to overthrow, depose, or surpass. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Literary, dramatic, slightly archaic. May imply a decisive or forceful action.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely found in historical texts, poetry, or stylised prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] outthrows [Object] (e.g., The rebels outthrew the monarch.)[Subject] is outthrown by [Agent] (e.g., The champion was outthrown by the newcomer.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'outthrow'. The word itself can be considered an archaic idiom.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused. Potential metaphorical use in 'outthrow the market leader'.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or literary analysis texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound odd or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conspirators sought to outthrow the corrupt regime.
- In the javelin competition, she managed to outthrow all her opponents.
American English
- The revolution aimed to outthrow the colonial government.
- He could outthrow any quarterback in the league with his arm strength.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form ('outthrowingly' is non-standard and extremely rare).
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The outthrown ruler sought exile overseas.
- An outthrown javelin lay beyond the marked line.
American English
- The outthrown administration left a power vacuum.
- He measured the distance of his outthrown discus.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too rare for A2. Use 'overthrow' instead.)
- The young athlete hoped to outthrow the champion.
- The old king was outthrown by his brother.
- The coup's primary objective was to outthrow the sitting president and establish a junta.
- Her technique allowed her to consistently outthrow competitors who were physically stronger.
- The philosophical treatise argued that new ideas inevitably outthrow old paradigms, no matter how entrenched.
- His ambition was not merely to win but to definitively outthrow the existing record.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: to throw someone OUT of power.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL REMOVAL IS POLITICAL/SOCIAL REMOVAL (e.g., throwing out a ruler).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'выбрасывать' (to throw out trash). Closer to 'свергать' (to overthrow).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual conversation. Confusing it with 'overthrow' (more common). Using it as a noun (the noun is 'outthrow' but is exceedingly rare).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'outthrow'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and mostly found in literary, historical, or poetic contexts. 'Overthrow' is far more common for the metaphorical meaning.
Yes, in a literal sense meaning 'to throw farther than'. However, even in sports commentary, phrases like 'out-throw' (hyphenated) or simply 'throw farther than' are more common.
They are largely synonymous, especially in the political 'depose' sense. 'Overthrow' is the standard, modern term. 'Outthrow' is archaic and emphasises the 'casting out' aspect more strongly.
Yes, 'outthrow' can also be a noun (e.g., 'the outthrow of the government'), but it is exceptionally rare and not recommended for general use.