astray

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈstrā 

1

: off the right path or route : straying

2

: in error : away from what is proper or desirable

Synonyms

• afield
• amiss
• awry
• wrong

Examples of astray in a Sentence

I think we were led astray by the unfortunate similarity of the two names

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaving a country that is heading in the wrong direction creates a void that will eagerly be filled by those who are leading it astray. —Katy Nightingale, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024

How things went astray for AI in healthcare There’s more than one answer to this question. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024

As the case of the French Revolution demonstrates, even individuals of integrity with a desire to govern in accordance with the common good can go astray. —Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 16 Sep. 2024

Refuse to let outside interference disrupt your intentions or lead you astray. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estraié wandering, from estraier to stray — more at stray

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

astray

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈstrā 

1

: off the right path or route

2

: in or into error