Strayed

The past tense of 'stray,' meaning to have wandered away from a fixed or prescribed place; to have deviated from the correct path or course, either physically, mentally, or morally. It often implies a loss of direction or an unintended departure from one's intended goals or surroundings.

Strayed meaning with examples

• The lost dog had strayed far from its home, wandering through neighborhoods uncertain of how to return. Residents were concerned and put up flyers in hopes of finding its owner and bringing the stray back to safety.
• When exploring the forest, she accidentally strayed from the marked trail, captivated by the beauty of the wildflowers. It took her longer to find her way back, but she didn't mind as she discovered new, scenic spots along the way.
• Despite his best intentions, he felt he had strayed from his moral values in a moment of weakness. Reflecting on his choices, he vowed to realign himself with his principles and make amends with those he had wronged.
• The young adventurer was excited to mount his bike and ride through the winding paths of the countryside. However, he strayed into a field, chasing after a curious rabbit, and ended up lost without a sense of direction.
• During the meeting, she realized she had strayed off topic while discussing her point. A gentle reminder from her colleague helped her refocus and get back to the main agenda, restoring the flow of the conversation.