The word "thrust away" is spelled phonetically as /θrʌst əˈweɪ/. The first syllable "thrust" is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative "th" (/θ/) followed by a voiced alveolar stop "r" (/r/). The second syllable "away" contains a voiced labiodental fricative "w" (/w/) and the diphthong "ay" (/eɪ/), which consists of a closer vowel "e" (/e/) and an open vowel "a" (/ə/). Together, the word conveys the action of forcefully pushing something in a direction away from oneself.
Thrust away is a phrasal verb that typically refers to forcefully pushing or moving something or someone in order to create physical distance or separation. It can also carry metaphorical connotations, pertaining to the act of rejecting or dismissing someone or something with force or determination.
In the physical sense, thrust away involves using robust energy or strength to propel an object or person away from oneself or a specific location. This action can be executed with one's arms, hands, or any body part, exerting a forceful thrusting motion. For example, in a crowded setting, if someone feels overwhelmed or threatened by the proximity of others, they may instinctively thrust away individuals around them to create personal space.
Metaphorically, thrust away refers to the act of forcefully rejecting or dismissing someone or something. This could be due to disagreement, dislike, or a desire to distance oneself emotionally or otherwise. For instance, in a professional context, if a manager feels dissatisfied with an employee's performance, they may metaphorically thrust away their ideas or suggestions during a meeting, implying a disregard or unwillingness to consider them.
Overall, whether applied in physical or metaphorical scenarios, thrust away involves the forceful pushing away or separation of someone or something, often driven by a need to create distance, maintain boundaries, or express rejection.
The word "thrust" dates back to the Old Norse word "þrysta", which means "to push" or "to thrust". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old English word "þrēotan", meaning "to threaten" or "to annoy". Over time, "thrust" came to specifically refer to a forceful forward movement or action.
The word "away" originated from the Old English word "onweg" or "aweg", which means "from this place" or "from here". This term evolved from the combination of the words "on" (meaning "in" or "into") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "path").