DictionarystrandLeave unable to depart
verb

strand

To leave someone or something stuck and unable to leave.

The canceled train strands the travelers.

Etymology

The shore noun supplied a verb for leaving a vessel stuck on land. The broader sense transfers that inability to depart to people or other things.

More examples

  • The storm stranded them overnight.
  • Flooding is stranding residents.
  • A broken engine strands the boat.

Forms

strand · strands · stranded · stranding

Similar words

maroon
Leaves someone isolated, often in a remote place.
trap
Prevents escape more generally.