toward Meaning, Definition & Usage

To"ward, To"wards preposition (Also<
  • Toward
  • Towards
)
Etymology
AS. impending, imminent, future, toward, towards. See To, and -ward, wards.
Definitions
  1. In the direction of; to.
    He set his face toward the wilderness. Num. xxiv. 1.
    The waves make towards'' the pebbled shore. Shak.
  2. With direction to, in a moral sense; with respect or reference to; regarding; concerning.
    His eye shall be evil toward his brother. Deut. xxviii. 54.
    Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men. Acts xxiv. 16.
  3. Tending to; in the direction of; in behalf of.
    This was the first alarm England received towards any trouble. Clarendom.
  4. Near; about; approaching to.
    I am toward nine years older since I left you. Swift.
To"ward, To"wards adverb (Also<
  • Toward
  • Towards
)
Definitions
  1. Near; at hand; in state of preparation.
    Do you hear sught, sir, of a battle toward ? Shak.
    We have a trifling foolish banquet Towards. Shak.
To"ward adjective
Etymology
AS. . See Toward, prep.
Definitions
  1. Approaching; coming near. "His toward peril." Spenser.
  2. Readly to do or learn; compliant with duty; not froward; apt; docile; tractable; as, a toward youth.
  3. Ready to act; forward; bold; valiant.
    Why, that is spoken like a toward prince. Shak.

Webster 1913