This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
astray
[ uh-strey ]
/ əˈstreɪ /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adverb, adjective
out of the right way; off the correct or known road, path, or route: Despite specific instructions, they went astray and got lost.
away from that which is right; into error, confusion, or undesirable action or thought: They were led astray by their lust for money.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of astray
1250–1300; Middle English astraye<Anglo-French *astraié,Old French estraié, past participle of estraier;see stray
Words nearby astray
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use astray in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for astray
astray
/ (əˈstreɪ) /
adjective, adverb (postpositive)
out of the correct path or direction
out of the right, good, or expected way; into error
Word Origin for astray
C13: from Old French estraie roaming, from estraier to stray
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with astray
astray
see best-laid plans go astray; go astray.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.