astray

American  

[uh-strey] / əˈstreɪ /

adverb

1. out of the right way; off the correct or known road, path, or route.

   Despite specific instructions, they went astray and got lost.

2. away from that which is right; into error, confusion, or undesirable action or thought.

   They were led astray by their lust for money.

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astray British  

/ əˈstreɪ /

adjective

1. out of the correct path or direction

2. out of the right, good, or expected way; into error

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astray Idioms  

1. see best-laid plans go astray; go astray.

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Etymology

Origin of astray

1250–1300; Middle English astraye < Anglo-French *astraié, Old French estraié, past participle of estraier; see stray

Explanation

If you go astray, you lose the path. If you went to college intending to become a doctor, but instead became interested in making violent video games, your parents might feel you have gone astray. A stray animal is one that has gotten loose, and the adverb astray comes from this sense of wandering off from the proper place, even though it's not just for animals. If you go astray, you lose the right way, or are out of place. It can be a moral judgment: juvenile delinquents are kids who have gone astray. But it can also refer to small details. If you dress impeccably, you make sure that no thread is astray.

Example Sentences

For a far more authoritative and up-to-date critique of physics, check out the fascinating, painfully honest new book Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray, by Sabine Hossenfelder.

From Scientific American • Jul. 1, 2018

In my personal time, I read many essays online and the books I read this year were predominantly essay collections: Once I Was Cool, Legs Get Led Astray, Bad Feminist, The Empathy Exams.

From Time • Jan. 6, 2015

With a Shot and Some Wacky Bounces, a Good Night Goes Astray for Lundqvist Until the third period, the ’ Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender was at his best, again.

From New York Times • May 22, 2013

Astrayby Emma Donoghue With Astray, a collection of short stories about emigrants, drifters, taboo-breakers and border-crossers on their way to, or scrabbling to survive in, the New World, we are back to the historical archive.

From The Guardian • Nov. 9, 2012

Ah, stag of all the herd! leav'st thou thy hind Astray, regarding not these tears which roll?

From Hindu literature : Comprising The Book of good counsels, Nala and Damayanti, The Ramayana, and Sakoontala by Arnold, Edwin, Sir

Related Words

• afield
• awry