stern-way

The ship makes stern-way as it reverses away from the dock.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Backward motion of a vessel: "stern-way" refers to the backward movement of a ship or boat, typically caused by reversing the engines or by the force of wind or current acting on the vessel's stern.

Usage Examples

• (The vessel moved backwards due to engine reversal.)
• (The backward motion was unintended and caused by external forces.)

Advanced Usage

• "to gather stern-way": to begin moving backwards.

  • As the engines reversed, the ship gathered stern-way and slowly backed out of the harbour. (The vessel started moving backward.)

• "to lose stern-way": to stop moving backwards.

  • After the engines were stopped, the ship lost stern-way and remained stationary. (The backward motion ceased.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stern (n): the rear part of a ship or boat.

  • The crew gathered at the stern to watch the sunset. (The back of the vessel.)

• Way (n): a nautical term for motion or progress through water.

  • The ship had good way on as it sailed out of the bay. (The vessel was moving forward steadily.)

Synonyms

• Backing: the act of moving backward (especially in a vehicle or vessel).
• Reverse motion: movement in the opposite direction to the normal forward direction.

Antonyms

• Headway: forward motion of a vessel.
  • The ship made good headway despite the rough seas. (Forward progress.)

Related Idioms

• "to have stern-way on": to be moving backwards.

  • The tugboat had stern-way on as it pulled the barge away from the pier. (The tug was moving backward.)

• "to check stern-way": to stop or slow backward motion.

  • The helmsman applied the brakes to check the stern-way before the ship hit the dock. (He stopped the backward movement.)