foray

[fawr-ey, for-ey]

noun

1. a quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder.

   Vikings made a foray on the port.

   Synonyms: sortie, incursion, invasion, assault, attack

2. a quick, sudden attack.

   The defenders made a foray outside the walls.

3. an initial venture.

   a successful foray into politics.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a raid; pillage; maraud.

2. to invade or make one's way, as for profit or adventure.

   foreign industries foraying into U.S. markets.

verb (used with object)

1. to ravage in search of plunder; pillage.

foray

/ ˈfɒreɪ /

noun

1. a short raid or incursion

2. a first attempt or new undertaking

verb

1. to raid or ravage (a town, district, etc)

Other Word Forms

• forayer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of foray¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English forraien, apparently by back formation from forrayour, forreour, forrier, from Old French forrier, fourrier, equivalent to fo(u)rr(er), derivative of fuerre “provender” ( forage ) + -ier -ier ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of foray¹

C14: from forrayen to pillage, from Old French forreier , from forrier forager, from fuerre fodder; see _forage

Example Sentences

Gabriel said that his extended foray into food safety was an unexpected turn — but one that is personal.

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Tesla needs to repair the damage the brand took from Musk’s foray into politics, which rubbed many electric vehicle buyers the wrong way.

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That change is a gradual process, one which Bellamy himself says is still ongoing, and his first foray into coaching at Cardiff's academy was a lesson.

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With a discography ranging from growling hardcore to radio-friendly pop-rock to their current foray into post-punk, the band has gone through more musical eras than Taylor Swift while staying remarkably consistent in other ways.

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Chief Executive Elon Musk’s foray into politics as head of the Department of Government Efficiency also alienated many potential Tesla buyers and led to boycotts and protests at Tesla dealerships.

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Related Words

• inroad 
• invasion 
• raid