avast

[ uh-vast, uh-vahst ]

verb (imperative)

, Nautical.

1. (used as a command to stop or cease):

   Avast heaving!

avast

/ əˈvɑːst /

sentence substitute

1. nautical stop! cease!

Word History and Origins

Origin of avast¹

1675–85; perhaps < Dutch houd vast hold fast ( hold ¹, fast ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of avast¹

C17: perhaps from Dutch hou'vast hold fast

Example Sentences

“Avast there, Jane,” laughed out Sam, much pleased at the way in which his sister had received me.

From Project Gutenberg

"Avast heaving, reverend man, and quit this folly," said the strange; dragging the bewildered Padre after him.

From Project Gutenberg

What would the mate of a French frigate say if he wanted to say in French, "Avast there, ye lubbering swab" to a friend like?

From Project Gutenberg

In a few minutes the second mate came up, hallooing to us to "avast," and laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

And so they watched the evolutions of the gulls for a few minutes, till Josh called out “Avast!”

From Project Gutenberg