astray

[uh-strey]

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.

astray

/ əˈstreɪ /

adjective

1. out of the correct path or direction

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of astray¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of astray¹

C13: from Old French estraie roaming, from estraier to _stray

Idioms and Phrases

see best-laid plans go astray; go astray.

Example Sentences

The effect of what sounded like ticking clocks going astray felt like an inviting dip in the lake.

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"He was one of the most powerful men in the most powerful country on earth and there was no way he'd lead me astray or lead me to do anything illegal, or so I thought."

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Line-outs went astray, mauls were jammed up and disrupted, the continuity wouldn't come.

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Some of the intricacies, tip-on passes in midfield particularly, went astray.

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As she was recovering from her assault, she underwent a nasal surgery that went astray, leading her to lose her voice for years; it took three subsequent surgeries before she regained her ability to sing.

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Related Words

• afield 
• awry