Meaning

From side to side, often in an oblique manner; across or over..

Definitions by Sense

1. From side to side, often in an oblique manner; across or over.
2. Across the path of something, so as to impede progress.
3. (figuratively) Against the anticipated or appropriate course of something; improperly, perversely, wrongly.
4. From one side to the other side of; across.
5. Across the course or path of, so as to meet; hence (figuratively), to the attention of.
6. Across the course or path of, so as to oppose.
7. Across; through.
8. Opposed to.

Example Sentences

Above, the stars appeared to move slowly athwart.

We placed one log on the ground, and another athwart, forming a crude cross.

In the fore part of his garment vvhich couered his breaſt he vvore pretie taſſels inſteed of buttons, like to thoſe that our Engliſh Souldiers doe vveare about their bandeleers, in vvhich they put their gunnepovvder. Theſe taſſels came dovvne athvvart ouer his breaſt; truely I did invvardly reioyce to ſee his pourtraiture.

Thus the Aſſe having a peculiar mark of a croſſe made by a black liſt down his back, and another athwart, or at right angles down his ſhoulders; common opinion aſcribes this figure unto a peculiar ſignation; ſince that beaſt had the honour to bear our Saviour on his back.

[…] Frenzy, fierce-ey'd child of moping pain, / Darts her hot lightning flaſh athvvart the brain.

They come, they crowd upon me all at once— / Moved from the cloud of unforgotten things, / That sometimes on the horizon of the mind / Lies unfolded, often sweeps athwart in storm— […]

But he had left the green wood, and the thousand inspirations of the wild flowers, and the shadows that flit athwart the drooping boughs, for scenes whose inspirations were thought, toil, and suffering.

Just as the first ray of the rising sun shot like a golden arrow athwart this storied desolation we gained the further gateway of the outer wall, […]

Word Forms

• more athwart
• most athwart

Synonyms for athwart

Related Words

When Should You Use Athwart?

Use athwart when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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