seawards

Everyday

Towards the sea, away from the land. tree →

In the lessons

In geography, sailing and stories it gives a direction: the tide flows seawards, a ship heads seawards. In safety talk at the beach, a rip current can carry swimmers seawards. Phrases: «drift seawards», «look seawards», «face seawards».

Examples

• The tide was flowing seawards. tree →
• The boat drifted seawards in the strong wind. tree →
• From the cliff we looked seawards. tree →
• Rip currents can pull swimmers seawards; swim parallel to the shore to escape. tree →
• The river runs seawards through the town. tree →
• The house faces seawards. tree →

Note

«Seawards» is mostly UK; «seaward» works in both UK and US. Opposite: «landwards» or «inland». «-wards» means «in the direction of», as in «homewards» or «backwards».