prep., adv., & adj. (also thro', US thru)
prep. 1 a from end to end or from side to side of. b going in one side or end and out the other of. 2 between or among (swam through the waves). 3 from beginning to end (read through the letter; went through many difficulties). 4 because of; by the agency, means, or fault of (lost it through carelessness). 5 US up to and including (Monday through Friday).
adv. 1 through a thing; from side to side, end to end, or beginning to end (went through to the garden; would not let us through). 2 having completed (esp. successfully) (are through their exams). 3 so as to be connected by telephone (will put you through).
attrib.adj. 1 (of a journey, route, etc.) done without a change of line or vehicle etc. or with one ticket. 2 (of traffic) going through a place to its destination. be through colloq. 1 (often foll. by with) have finished. 2 (often foll. by with) cease to have dealings. 3 have no further prospects (is through as a politician). no through road = no thoroughfare. through and through 1 thoroughly, completely. 2 through again and again.
[ OE thurh f. WG ]