AFIELD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does afield mean? 

• AFIELD (adverb)
  The adverb AFIELD has 3 senses:

1. far away from home or one's usual surroundings

2. in or into a field (especially a field of battle)

3. off the subject; beyond the point at issue

  Familiarity information: AFIELD used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AFIELD (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Far away from home or one's usual surroundings

Synonyms:

abroad; afield

Context example:

looking afield for new lands to conquer

Sense 2

Meaning:

In or into a field (especially a field of battle)

Context example:

unlawful to carry hunting rifles afield until the season opens

Sense 3

Meaning:

Off the subject; beyond the point at issue

Context example:

such digressions can lead us too far afield

 Context examples 

At times his mind wandered farther afield, and he plodded on, a mere automaton, strange conceits and whimsicalities gnawing at his brain like worms.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Now here let me say frankly, lest you should think it strange that I have sought the services of one so far off from London instead of some one resident there, that my motive was that no local interest might be served save my wish only; and as one of London residence might, perhaps, have some purpose of himself or friend to serve, I went thus afield to seek my agent, whose labours should be only to my interest.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)