wind-bound
Adjective - Delayed by contrary winds: "wind-bound" describes a ship, aircraft, or other vessel that is prevented from moving or progressing because the wind is blowing in the opposite direction or is too strong. - The fleet remained wind-bound in the harbor for three days. (The ships could not sail because the wind was against them.)
- (The vessel was stuck due to unfavorable wind.)
- (The boats could not move because the wind was too strong or blowing the wrong way.)
- (The expedition was halted by persistent contrary winds.)
"to be wind-bound": to be in a state of being delayed or trapped by wind conditions.
- The yacht was wind-bound for a week, forcing the crew to ration supplies. (The yacht could not proceed due to wind.)
"wind-bound port": a port where ships are forced to stay because of adverse winds.
- The harbor became a wind-bound port during the monsoon season. (The port was a temporary refuge for ships unable to sail.)
Windbound (adj): an alternative spelling, often used with the same meaning.
- The windbound vessel waited patiently for the gale to subside. (The ship was trapped by wind.)
Windward (adj/adv): the direction from which the wind is blowing (opposite of leeward).
- The ship sailed windward to avoid being wind-bound. (The ship moved against the wind to escape being delayed.)
- Weather-bound: delayed or prevented by bad weather, including wind.
- Storm-bound: trapped or delayed by a storm.
- Harbor-bound: forced to remain in harbor, often due to wind or weather conditions.
At the mercy of the wind: completely subject to the wind's influence.
- The small boat was at the mercy of the wind, becoming wind-bound for hours. (The boat had no control and was delayed by the wind.)
Blowing a gale: a strong wind that can cause a vessel to become wind-bound.
- The captain knew that if the wind kept blowing a gale, they would be wind-bound. (The strong wind would trap the ship.)