athwart

[ uh-thwawrt ]

adverb

1. from side to side; crosswise.
2. Nautical.
   1. at right angles to the fore-and-aft line; across.
   2. broadside to the wind because of equal and opposite pressures of wind and tide:

      a ship riding athwart.

3. perversely; awry; wrongly.

preposition

1. from side to side of; across.
2. Nautical. across the direction or course of.
3. in opposition to; contrary to.

athwart

/ əˈθwɔːt /

adverb

1. transversely; from one side to another

preposition

1. across the path or line of (esp a ship)
2. in opposition to; against

Word History and Origins

Origin of athwart¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; a- ¹, thwart

Word History and Origins

Origin of athwart¹

C15: from a- ² + thwart

Example Sentences

Caivano elaborated on Washington's various interventionist economic policies, including a number of legislative and executive measures that were initially very unpopular because they seemed to run athwart the notion of a government with limited power.

From Salon

Leaders decided to stand athwart a liberalizing Orange County instead of adapt.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you are opening a Mexican restaurant on Melrose in the 1970s, you are basically standing athwart the past and future of Mexican food in Los Angeles,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s more, of course, in the vein of those coming athwart of fate.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, some of those standing athwart Santos’ defenestration yelling “Stop!” — or at least “Think this through” — make good points.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crosswise
• from side to side