Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Heading away from a starting point, especially on a sea voyage: Describes something, typically a ship or journey, that is departing from a port or home country, often bound for foreign destinations.
   • Characterized by leaving or going out: Pertaining to the act of departing or the initial leg of a journey away from a point of origin.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The outward-bound ship carried supplies for the distant colony.
  • We waved goodbye from the dock as the outward-bound vessel sailed into the horizon.
  • Passengers on the outward-bound flight were excited about their adventure.

Advanced Usage

• "Outward-bound" as a modifier: Often used directly before a noun to specify the direction of travel.
  • The outward-bound traffic was heavy on the holiday weekend.
• Conceptual use: Can describe the initial, departing phase of any process or movement away from a center.
  • The company's outward-bound expansion focused on Asian markets.

Variants and Related Words

• Outward (adj): Directed toward or situated on the outside.
  • The outward appearance of the building was modest.
• Bound (adj, in compounds): Headed or destined for a specified place.
  • The ship was homeward-bound after a long voyage.
• Departing (adj): Leaving, especially to start a journey.
  • The departing guests thanked their host.

Synonyms

• Departing: Leaving a place.
• Outgoing: Going out or leaving.
• Embarking: Boarding a vehicle to begin a journey.

Related Phrases

• Outward bound (noun phrase): The state or condition of being on a departing journey.
  • The crew prepared the ship for outward bound.
• On the outward leg: During the initial part of a round trip that goes away from the start.
  • We slept for most of the outward leg of the flight.

Related Idioms

• Outward bound: While often used literally, it can evoke a sense of adventure, exploration, or venturing into the unknown.
  • With his new backpack, he felt completely outward bound.

Adjective

1. that is going out or leaving
   • the departing train
   • an outward journey
   • outward-bound ships