Aground: meaning, definitions and examples

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aground

 

[ əˈɡraʊnd ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

navigation maritime

Aground refers to a ship or boat that is resting on the bottom of a body of water because the water level has dropped or it has run aground due to navigation mistakes. When a vessel is aground, it may become stuck due to sediment or other underwater obstacles. This situation can lead to potential damage to the vessel and requires immediate attention for safe rescue. It is essential for mariners to be aware of tidal changes and underwater hazards to avoid running aground.

Synonyms

beached, stranded, stuck.

Examples of usage

  • The ship ran aground during low tide.
  • They anchored too close to the shore and ended up aground.
  • The captain alerted the crew that they were aground.
  • After the storm, several boats were found aground on the beach.

Translations

Translations of the word "aground" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encalhado

🇮🇳 किनारे

🇩🇪 auf Grund

🇮🇩 terjebak

🇺🇦 на мілководді

🇵🇱 na mieliźnie

🇯🇵 座礁した

🇫🇷 échoué

🇪🇸 varado

🇹🇷 karaya oturmuş

🇰🇷 좌초한

🇸🇦 عالقة

🇨🇿 na mělčině

🇸🇰 na plytčine

🇨🇳 搁浅

🇸🇮 na plitvini

🇮🇸 föst

🇰🇿 жерде

🇬🇪 წყალში

🇦🇿 quru

🇲🇽 encallado

Etymology

The word 'aground' comes from the combination of 'a-' meaning 'on', and 'ground', which refers to the 'bottom' or 'ground' of a body of water. Its use dates back to Middle English, where the term was used to describe vessels that were unable to float freely. The roots are derived from Old English 'grund' which means 'bottom, ground' and the prefix 'a-' was often used to indicate position or state. Over the centuries, this term has remained relatively stable in meaning, primarily maintaining its maritime context. Its relevance is crucial for navigation, especially in shallow waters, where understanding terrain and water levels can mean the difference between safe passage and disaster for vessels.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,019, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.