突き放す

• Reading: つきはなす
• Romaji: tsukihanasu
• Kanji breakdown: 突 (totsu/tsu) — to thrust; 放す (hanasu) — to release, to let go of
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ki.ha.na.sɯ/

Meaning

To push away; to reject with force; to leave someone to fend for themselves; to maintain cold emotional distance.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 突く (to thrust) and 放す (to release, to let go). Can be used literally or figuratively. The figurative use describes rejecting or treating someone coldly, deliberately withdrawing support and leaving them to cope alone. Often carries an emotionally harsh nuance.

Examples

1. 彼女は助けを求める友人を冷たく突き放した。 She coldly pushed away the friend who came to her for help.
2. 親に突き放されて初めて、自分で生きる力がついた。 It wasn't until his parents cut him loose that he developed the strength to live on his own.
3. 突き放すような態度で会話を終わらせた。 She ended the conversation with a coldly dismissive attitude.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, emotional expression, social dynamics

Tone: cold

Origin & History

From 突く (to thrust) and 放す (to release, to let free). The image is of forcibly thrusting someone away and releasing them — leaving them entirely to their own devices.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal