foray

[ fawr-ey, for-ey ]

noun

1. a quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder:

   Vikings made a foray on the port.

   Synonyms: sortie, incursion, invasion, assault, attack

2. a quick, sudden attack:

   The defenders made a foray outside the walls.

3. an initial venture:

   a successful foray into politics.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a raid; pillage; maraud.
2. to invade or make one's way, as for profit or adventure:

   foreign industries foraying into U.S. markets.

verb (used with object)

1. to ravage in search of plunder; pillage.

foray

/ ˈfɒreɪ /

noun

1. a short raid or incursion
2. a first attempt or new undertaking

verb

1. to raid or ravage (a town, district, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈforayer, noun

Other Words From

• foray·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of foray¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English forraien, apparently by back formation from forrayour, forreour, forrier, from Old French forrier, fourrier, equivalent to fo(u)rr(er), derivative of fuerre “provender” ( forage ) + -ier -ier ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of foray¹

C14: from forrayen to pillage, from Old French forreier , from forrier forager, from fuerre fodder; see forage

Example Sentences

It marks the platform's long-awaited foray into the sale cheaper goods with lengthier shipping times - a business model which has spurred the rise of Chinese-owned e-commerce apps.

From BBC

Tata's foray into building a safe, affordable car turned out to be a disappointment.

From BBC

His father and friends would include him in forays to the local racetrack.

From Los Angeles Times

AT&T is expected to exit its ownership stake of DirecTV in the second half of next year, bringing to a close its disastrous foray in the entertainment business.

From Los Angeles Times

Brook’s first foray into captaincy was a positive one.

From BBC

Related Words

• inroad
• invasion
• raid