throw down

Initiate a confrontation

To throw down is to issue or accept a challenge, especially for a fight or competition: He threw down the gauntlet.

In casual speech, throwing down means engaging intensely—fighting, partying, or performing with energy: The band really threw down last night.

A throwdown is a confrontation or showdown, often physical.

fight

brawl

Disorderly group fight

scuffleBrief disorderly struggle
altercationHeated verbal dispute
meleeDisordered group skirmish

fracas · tussle · skirmish · ruckus · fray · combat · clash · dust-up · rumble · beatdown

challenge

gauntlet

Protective armored handwear

confrontationDirect hostile encounter
showdownDecisive final confrontation
face-offDirect clash between opponents

contest · provocation · ultimatum · summons · invitation · competition · tournament · matchup · bout · test

defy

resist

Oppose or refuse compliance

rebelAuthority defier
stand up toConfront without retreating
confrontFace squarely, address directly

oppose · disobey · dissent · flout · defiance · insubordination · noncompliance · insurgence · mutiny · revolt

perform

freestyle

Without prescribed technique

rap battleImprovised rhyming competition
breakdanceAcrobatic street-style movement
showcaseCabinet for displaying items

cypher · improvise · solo · jam session · open mic · battle rap · rhyme · verse · flow

party

celebrate

Honor through festivity

jamCooked fruit spread
grooveNarrow cut or routine
raveEnthusiastic praise or nightlong dance

bash · rager · blowout · shindig · fiesta · hoedown · block party · cookout · dance · get-together

Categories

ways to dropdrop, fall, release, let go, plunge
competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
fighting wordsfight me, bring it, square up, step outside, lets go
fightsfight, brawl, scuffle, scrap, tussle
dunksslam dunk, dunk, jam, stuff, flush
catchermitt, crouch, squat, signals, framing

Opposites

confrontation/avoidance

throw downback down

Withdraw from a stance

back away · retreat · stand down · back off · withdraw

performance intensity

throw downphone it in

Perform with minimal effort

hold back · coast · slack off · go through the motions · underperform

vertical direction

throw downthrow up

Eject stomach contents

toss up · pick up · lift up · raise · catch

Family

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG