1 C1 formal
(Nautical) Of cargo, equipment, or fittings: to break loose from their fastenings, especially in rough weather.
"In the storm, several barrels fetched away and rolled across the deck."
fetch away
C1 formal intransitive
A nautical term meaning (of equipment or cargo) to break loose or come free from its securing point.
In plain English
When something on a ship breaks loose and slides or moves because it wasn't tied down tightly enough.
What does "fetch away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fetch (move) away from its secured position.
Actually means
When something on a ship breaks loose and slides or moves because it wasn't tied down tightly enough.
Usage tip
Exclusively nautical terminology. Used when referring to cargo, equipment, or fittings that break free from their lashings or fastenings aboard a ship. Not used in everyday conversational English.
Words that pair with "fetch away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cargo gear anchor line equipment gun
How to conjugate "fetch away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fetch away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fetches away
he/she/it
Past simple
fetched away
yesterday
Past participle
fetched away
have + pp
-ing form
fetching away
continuous
Hear "fetch away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fetch away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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