arrojar

Arrojar is a Spanish verb with several related senses centered on projection or emission. The primary meaning is to throw or cast something with force, as in arrojó la piedra al río. It also means to emit or discharge something, such as humo, luz, o calor: la chimenea arrojaba humo; la lámpara arrojaba una intensa luz. In figurative use, it can express producing or yielding results, evidence, or doubts: la investigación arrojó resultados alentadores; esa hipótesis arroja dudas sobre el método.

The reflexive form arrojarse has specific uses: arrojarse al agua means to throw oneself into the water or to dive; arrojado can describe someone bold or audaz in certain contexts, or indicate that something has been thrown or dumped, depending on construction.

Etymology and related terms: arrojar derives from Latin arrojāre, meaning to throw forth. In many contexts, especially for simple senses of throwing, synonyms like lanzar or tirar are common, but arrojar can carry a sense of force, outward projection, or significance in its figurative uses.

Conjugation notes: Arrojar is a regular -ar verb with a notable first-person singular form: presente de indicativo—arrojo, arrojas, arroja, arrojamos, arrojáis, arrojan. Preterite—arrojé, arrojaste, arrojó, arrojamos, arrojasteis, arrojaron. Subjunctive present—arroj-e, arroj-es, arroj-e, arroj-emos, arroj-éis, arroj-en. The reflexive form follows the same conjugation patterns: arrojarse, me arrojo, te arrojas, se arroja, etc.

Examples illustrate its versatility: El viento arrojó hojas; arrojó cenizas tras la erupción; arrojó una mirada desafiante; arrojó la basura a la calle; se arrojó al agua para salvar a una persona.