Aground/əˈɡraʊnd/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Nautical Origin Originates from boating where ships can hit the seabed and stop moving. The vessel went aground during the clumsy attempt to dock. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Usage Used metaphorically to describe when plans or activities come to a halt. After running aground, the team had to rethink their strategy. Pro Tip 3/3Emergency Situations Often suggests an emergency, especially when related to ships. When the cruise ship ran aground, passengers were evacuated.