Stranded
'strændɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo be left in a place from which escape is impossible or difficult.
'strændɪd
To leave someone or something in a helpless position; to run aground.
The explorers were stranded on a deserted island for months.
💡 Simply: Imagine your car breaks down far from home, and you have no way to get help. You're stranded! You can't move and you're stuck.
👶 For kids: When you're stuck somewhere and can't get home or somewhere you want to be.
More Examples
High winds stranded the ship on a reef.
A sudden downpour stranded us at the park without any shelter.
The airline canceled the flight, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport.
How It's Used
"The ship was stranded on a sandbar during the storm."
"The hikers were stranded in the mountains when their car broke down."
In a helpless situation; unable to move or to leave a place.
'strændɪd
Left in a difficult or helpless situation.
We were stranded in the airport due to a snowstorm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you miss the bus, have no way to call anyone, and you're all alone. You're stranded! You're stuck, and you don't know what to do.
👶 For kids: Being stuck somewhere and you can't get away.
More Examples
The stranded hikers were fortunate to have cell phone service.
The charity helped feed the stranded refugees.
Thousands of passengers were stranded at the airport.
How It's Used
"Stranded travelers waited for hours at the airport due to the flight delays."
"The stranded kitten cried for help."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
stranded at sea
Left alone, without any support in the ocean.
"The crew was stranded at sea after the ship sank."
stranded high and dry
In a difficult or hopeless situation, with no way out or help available.
"After the project was cancelled, the team was left stranded high and dry."
From Middle English *stronden*, past participle of *stranden* 'to run aground', from Old English *strand* 'shore'.
The word 'stranded' has been used in a similar sense to describe being grounded or left in a helpless situation since the 16th century, with roots in nautical terminology.
Memory tip
Think of a ship running *strand*ed on the *strand* (shore), unable to move.
Word Origin
"to run aground"