What does avast mean?
"Avast" is a nautical interjection commanding someone to stop what they are doing, most often heard aboard ship when crewmen are ordered to halt hauling a rope, heaving a capstan, or some other physical task. The word entered English in the seventeenth century from the Dutch expression "houd vast," meaning "hold fast," and it shares its root with the everyday word "fast." Though once a routine working command of the age of sail, it survives today mainly in maritime historical fiction, films about pirates, and playful imitation of sailors' talk, so using it in modern conversation signals either nautical expertise or deliberate whimsy. Its forceful, clipped sound made it memorable enough to become one of the most recognizable relics of seafaring language.
interjectionA nautical command used to tell someone to stop or cease an action, especially to stop pulling ropes or moving a ship's equipment. It is used almost exclusively in maritime contexts and is now largely archaic except in historical, literary, or jocular usage.
- A nautical command to stop or cease what one is doing, especially hauling on a rope.
""Avast hauling!" the bosun bellowed as the sail reached the top of the mast."
""Avast heaving!" the captain ordered, and the capstan fell silent."
"The old sailor raised his hand and cried "Avast!" before the crew could lower the boat."
When pirates shout 'Avast!' in the movies, they're barking real 17th-century sailing orders borrowed from Dutch — literally 'hold fast'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of avast
"Avast" derives from the Dutch phrase "houd vast," meaning "hold fast," and was adopted into English during the seventeenth century as a standard command aboard sailing ships. Its root connects it to the Germanic word family behind English "fast" and "steadfast," all built on the ancient idea of holding firm. It remained common nautical vocabulary through the age of sail before fading into chiefly historical and literary use.
How avast is actually used
Highly register-specific: authentic in maritime historical fiction and period drama, but sounds theatrical or comically piratical in ordinary modern speech. Outside nautical contexts it is best used deliberately for humorous effect.
Easily confused with avast
Both are nautical commands to stop, but 'belay' specifically means to secure a rope or cancel an order, while 'avast' is a general cry to halt an activity.