dart
/dɑːrt/
NOUN
1. A pointed missile or throwing weapon
A small, pointed weapon designed to be thrown by hand, such as a short lance or javelin.
1.1. A pointed projectile weapon
A small pointed object or weapon thrown by hand toward a target.
Synonyms
- missile
- projectile
- javelin
Examples
- The warrior threw a dart toward his opponent.
- The ancient hunter carried several darts for hunting.
Related Words
- arrow
- spear
- lance
- spearhead
1.2. A sharp or piercing remark
A figurative dart is a cutting remark or insult intended to hurt, criticize, or embarrass someone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- His sarcastic comment was a dart aimed directly at her confidence.
- She ignored the verbal darts exchanged during the argument.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A sudden or rapid movement
A quick, sudden movement in a particular direction, often resembling the flight of a thrown dart.
2.1. A sudden quick movement
A brief, rapid movement made suddenly in one direction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The mouse made a sudden dart across the kitchen floor.
- The fish escaped with a quick dart through the water.
Related Words
- burst
- lunge
- surge
- movement
2.2. A sudden sharp sensation
A brief, sharp sensation, especially a sudden pain that feels as though something has pierced the body.
Synonyms
- stab
- spurt
Examples
- She felt a sharp dart of pain in her foot.
- A sudden dart of discomfort passed through his shoulder.
Related Words
- twinge
- pang
- sting
- 刺痛
VERB
3. To throw or launch something suddenly
To throw an object with a sudden effort or thrust.
3.1. Throwing or launching an object
To propel or send an object forcefully in a particular direction with a sudden throwing motion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- He darted the small spear toward the target.
- The player darted the ball across the field.
Related Words
- hurl
- toss
- cast
- lob
3.2. Shooting or injecting with a dart
To shoot an object, especially a tranquilizer dart, at a person or animal.
Synonyms
- shoot
- launch
Examples
- The veterinarian darted the animal with a tranquilizer.
- The wildlife team darted the deer so it could be examined safely.
Related Words
- tranquilize
- inject
- fire
- project
VERB
4. To move or travel rapidly
To move swiftly in a particular direction, often suddenly or in a quick, straight movement.
4.1. Moving quickly in one direction
To move suddenly and rapidly from one place to another, often with a quick, direct motion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The child darted across the playground.
- A rabbit darted into the bushes when it heard a noise.
- She darted through the doorway before it closed.
Related Words
4.2. Moving suddenly from place to place
To shift rapidly between positions or directions, often in short, quick movements.
Synonyms
- flit
- flick
- flutter
- flash
- scurry
- skitter
- skip
Antonyms
- hover
- hang
- float
Examples
- His eyes darted around the room nervously.
- The small bird darted from branch to branch.
Related Words
- flicker
- flitter
- wander
- roam
VERB
5. To send something forth suddenly
To emit, release, or project something suddenly or rapidly.
5.1. Suddenly emitting or projecting something
To send out or release something quickly, such as a beam, glance, or sudden burst of energy.
Synonyms
Examples
- The machine darted a beam of light across the dark room.
- She darted a quick glance toward the exit.