AVAST Meaning and
Definition
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Avast is a term primarily associated with sailing and maritime activities, particularly in the context of old seafaring. It is often used as an imperative verb or interjection, expressing a command or exclamation to stop or cease an action immediately. The word "avast" is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "houvast," meaning "hold fast" or "stop quickly."
As a nautical command, "avast" instructs sailors to halt their current activity or motion promptly. It can be used to bring an instant halt to the hoisting, lowering, or pulling of sails, or to cease any other kind of work on a ship that requires immediate suspension. The word is often accompanied by hand gestures or signals to convey the command more effectively.
Additionally, "avast" can also be used as an interjection or exclamation, expressing surprise, astonishment, or annoyance. In this context, it serves as a linguistic device to capture attention or emphasize a point abruptly. This usage is more common in literary works set in the era of sailing ships or in idiomatic expressions.
Overall, avast is a multifaceted term with historical significance in maritime settings. It encompasses both a command to immediately stop an action and an interjection to convey surprise or annoyance. Its usage is mainly confined to maritime or literary contexts, evoking the nostalgia and language of seafaring eras.
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A nautical term; hold; stop; stay.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for AVAST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for AVAST
Etymology of AVAST
The word "Avast" comes from the Dutch phrase "Hou' vast" which means "hold fast" or "hold on". It was commonly used by sailors and seafarers as a command to stop or cease any action. Over time, "Hou' vast" morphed into "Avast" and became widely adopted by English-speaking sailors. Today, it is often associated with pirates and maritime culture.
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