AFOOT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does afoot mean? 

• AFOOT (adjective)
  The adjective AFOOT has 2 senses:

1. traveling by foot

2. currently in progress

  Familiarity information: AFOOT used as an adjective is rare.

• AFOOT (adverb)
  The adverb AFOOT has 1 sense:

1. on foot; walking

  Familiarity information: AFOOT used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AFOOT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Traveling by foot

Context example:

she was afoot when I saw her this morning

Similar:

moving (in motion)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Currently in progress

Synonyms:

afoot; underway

Context example:

preparations for the trial are underway

Similar:

current (occurring in or belonging to the present time)

• AFOOT (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

On foot; walking

Context example:

quail are hunted either afoot or on horseback

Pertainym:

afoot (traveling by foot)

 Context examples 

Once afoot, it was not long before the company began to disperse.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There were grave events afoot, as the sequel showed, and the coaxing of Scott Eccles to Wisteria Lodge had some connection with them.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The night passed, and the next day, after dinner, Redruth and I were afoot again and on the road.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

The aspect will not be exact for one year—not until February of 2021—but Saturn and Uranus are now within significant mathematical orb, so something may be afoot regarding your career.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Early next morning we were again afoot, and found that the character of the country had changed once again.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“The game is afoot. Not a word! Into your clothes and come!”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Trouble was always afoot, and at the bottom of it was Buck.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Merciful God! the Count has been to him, and there is some new scheme of terror afoot!

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

You will allow me to observe, sir, that I have personal interests of the highest importance involved in this matter, I have every reason to believe that there is a conspiracy afoot which will affect my position as heir to Lord Avon’s titles and estates.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The succeeding week seemed long: it came to an end at last, however, like all sublunary things, and once more, towards the close of a pleasant autumn day, I found myself afoot on the road to Lowton.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)