Astray

/əˈstreɪ/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

Away from the correct path or direction; into error or wrongdoing.

He went astray while hiking in the woods and got lost for hours.

In a mistaken direction or manner.

Her thoughts often went astray during the lecture, making it hard for her to concentrate.

To a state of neglect or degradation.

The old neighborhood had fallen astray, with many houses in disrepair.

Middle English 'astray,' from Old English 'astraie,' from 'a-' (on) + 'straie' (path).

lead astray

To misguide someone or lead them into error.

go astray

To wander off the path or direction; to be lost.

astrayness

A deviation from the proper path.

Off the beaten path.

After college, I went astray and traveled the world.

In a confused or lost state.

I felt astray after losing my job.