THROW AWAY
1. To throw away something (or throw something away) is to dispose of something you don't want by putting in a rubbish bin, waste-paper basket, waste-disposal unit etc.
Examples of use:
- I threw my old coat away.
- Why don't you throw away those smelly old shoes?
- He has thrown away all of his rusty tools, and bought new ones.
- She doesn't like throwing things away.
- My mum threw my English essay away by mistake.
2. To throw away something (or throw something away) also means to ruin or lose something valuable or important, by doing something reckless or foolish.
Examples of use:
- She went out with her friends every night instead of studying, and threw away her chance of a place at university.
- Don't throw away your marriage. You need to spend more time with your wife.
- William had a good career and a lovely home, but he threw it all away with his gambling and drinking.
| infinitive | throw away |
| present simple | throw away and throws away |
| -ing form | throwing away |
| past simple | threw away |
| past participle | thrown away |