away from the correct path or direction, into error or morally questionable behavior

lead someone astray, go astray, astray from the truth

Formal and Informal Expressions of astray

In different contexts, you can replace 'astray' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'off course, off track' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'lost, wandering' is a commonplace synonym.

astray: Explore its Definition & Usage

astray Definition

1away from the correct path or direction
2into error or morally questionable behavior

Using astray: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "astray" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The hiker went astray and got lost in the woods.
Example
The company's finances have gone astray due to poor management.
Example
She led him astray with her bad influence.

astray Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for astray

lost
wandering
off course
off track

Antonyms for astray

correct
on track
on course

Phrases with astray

lead someone astray
to cause someone to make a mistake or engage in immoral behavior
Example
Her friends led her astray and she started drinking heavily.
go astray
to become lost or off course, or to make a mistake or engage in immoral behavior
Example
The package went astray in the mail and was never delivered.
astray from the truth
to be mistaken or misled about something
Example
He went astray from the truth when he started spreading rumors about his coworkers.

Origins of astray

from Old English 'stræt', meaning 'a street'

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Summary: astray in Brief

'Astray' [əˈstreɪ] means away from the correct path or direction, or into error or morally questionable behavior. It is often used to describe physical disorientation, as in 'The hiker went astray and got lost in the woods,' or moral deviation, as in 'She led him astray with her bad influence.' The phrase 'lead someone astray' denotes causing someone to make a mistake or engage in immoral behavior.