foray

American  

[fawr-ey, for-ey] / ˈfɔr eɪ, ˈfɒr eɪ /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈfɒreɪ /

noun

1. a short raid or incursion

2. a first attempt or new undertaking

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• forayer noun

Etymology

Origin of foray

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

Example Sentences

The ad is the latest component of OpenAI’s expensive marketing offensive, which began last year with its inaugural Super Bowl commercial—its first foray into paid advertising.

From The Wall Street Journal

It feels like forever ago that “WandaVision” kicked off Marvel Studios’ foray into television with a bang.

From Los Angeles Times

After my unsuccessful foray into GoGo stocks, it seemed obvious to me that buying cheap rather than expensive was a good idea.

From Barron's

WSJ Pro spoke with Gallina about her foray into investing and where she sees the most potential in an increasingly crowded sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is the first foray into adult fiction for Silver, a British former actor and mental health nurse best known for his hit YA books including dystopian novel Happyhead and its sequel, Dead Happy.

From BBC

Related Words

• inroad
• invasion
• raid