traverse

²tra·verse

verb \trə-ˈvərs also tra-ˈ or ˈtra-(ˌ)\

tra·versedtra·vers·ing

Definition of TRAVERSE

transitive verb

1

a : to go against or act in opposition to : oppose, thwart b : to deny (as an allegation of fact or an indictment) formally at law

2

a : to go or travel across or over b : to move or pass along or through <light rays traversing a crystal>

3

: to make a study of : examine

4

: to lie or extend across : cross <the bridge traverses a brook>

5

a : to move to and fro over or along b : to ascend, descend, or cross (a slope or gap) at an angle c : to move (a gun) to right or left on a pivot

6

: to make or carry out a survey of by using traverses

intransitive verb

1

: to move back and forth or from side to side

2

: to move or turn laterally : swivel

3

a : to climb at an angle or in a zigzag course b : to ski across rather than straight down a hill

4

: to make a survey by using traverses

— tra·vers·able \-ˈvər-sə-bəl, -(ˌ)vər-\ adjective

— tra·vers·er noun

Examples of TRAVERSE

1. The candidates traversed the state throughout the campaign.
2. The river traverses the county.

Origin of TRAVERSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French traverser, from Late Latin transversare, from Latin transversus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRAVERSE

Synonyms: course, cover, cross, cut (across), follow, go, navigate, pass (over), perambulate, peregrinate, proceed (along), track, transit, travel

Related Words: hike, traipse, tramp, tread, walk; ride, run; crisscross

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