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Definition of foray

foray

/ˈfɔːr.eɪ/
fo · ray

Plural:forays
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Past Simple:forayed
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Past Participle:forayed
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Present Participle:foraying
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foray Lexical Profile

foray Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A brief or initial attempt to become involved in a new activity, profession, or sphere of interest.

Example

"The acclaimed novelist's first foray into screenwriting earned widespread praise from film critics."


2

A sudden attack, raid, or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain supplies.

Example

"Historical records describe how border guards defended the settlement against a sudden foray by rival clans."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To venture briefly into a new place, activity, or field of interest, or to go out in search of provisions.

Example

"During the summer months, the mycological society regularly forayed into the damp woodland to catalog wild mushrooms."

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the 14th century, the word originates from Middle English as a back-formation from 'forayer' (a raider or forager), borrowed from Old French 'forrier', which is related to 'forage' (fodder or food).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foray. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foray
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