Spanish word

lanzar

Pronunciation

IPA/lanˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbthrow

Example

¿Puedes lanzar la pelota?

Can you throw the ball?

Illustration for lanzar (throw)

More examples

El niño lanzó la pelota muy lejos.

The child threw the ball very far.

Core concept

An arm throwing a ball forcefully forward.

Common phrases

  • lanzar la pelota

    throw the ball

  • lanzar una piedra

    throw a stone

  • lanzar un objeto

    throw an object

Similar words

tirar: Sends an object forward using the hand or arm in a direct throwing motion.
echar: Tosses something lightly forward with a casual, gentle motion.
arrojar: Hurls an object forcefully so it travels a long distance.

Definition in Spanish

Arrojar o proyectar algo con fuerza; por extensión, iniciar o poner en circulación algo nuevo ante un público.

Word origin

From Latin lancēāre 'to hurl with a lance' (from lancea 'spear'), later generalized in Spanish to mean throwing or launching things and, by extension, starting or releasing something to the public.

Usage tips

  • Common in sports as in 'lanzar la pelota', and note the reflexive lanzarse often means to plunge into or begin something eagerly rather than to physically throw.

Other meanings

  • releaseverb
  • launchverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word