v.1. To return something with a throw: The catcher threw the ball back. The players threw back the ball to the coach.
2. To fling something, such as a body part, backward: I threw back my head in laughter at that scene. The player threw his arm back to catch that ball.
3. To return some fish to the water after catching it: When you throw a fish back, hold it in the current until it recovers. Throw back the trout—it's too small to keep.
4. To hinder the progress of someone or something; check someone or something: The lack of money threw back the project. The storm threw the schedule back.
5. Slang To drink something, especially alcohol, in one draft by suddenly tilting: We threw back a couple of beers. The club members are at the bar throwing shots back.
6. throw back on To cause someone to depend on someone or something; make someone reliant on someone or something: The economic downturn threw us back on our own resources.