stray

²stray

verb

Definition of STRAY

intransitive verb

: wander: as a : to wander from company, restraint, or proper limits b : to roam about without fixed direction or purpose c : to move in a winding course : meander d : to move without conscious or intentional effort <eyes straying absently around the room> e : to become distracted from an argument or train of thought <strayed from the point> f : to wander accidentally from a fixed or chosen route g : err, sin

— stray·er noun

Examples of STRAY

1. The airplane strayed off course.
2. <our straying son swears he's returned to the straight and narrow>

Origin of STRAY

Middle English straien, from Anglo-French estraier, from Vulgar Latin *extravagare, from Latin extra- outside + vagari to wander — more at extra-

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STRAY

Synonyms: err, fall, sin, offend, transgress, trespass, wander

Related Words: breach, break, infringe, violate; backslide, lapse; mess up

Near Antonyms: forgive, justify, pardon; regret, repent, rue

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