/ təˈwɔːdz; NAmE tɔːrdz/ (also to·ward / təˈwɔːd; NAmE tɔːrd/ especially in NAmE ) preposition
1.
in the direction of sb/sth :
They were heading towards the German border.
She had her back towards me.
2.
getting closer to achieving sth :
This is a first step towards political union.
3.
close or closer to a point in time :
towards the end of April
4.
in relation to sb/sth :
He was warm and tender towards her.
our attitude towards death
5.
with the aim of obtaining sth, or helping sb to obtain sth :
The money will go towards a new school building (= will help pay for it) .
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English tōweardes (see to , -ward ).