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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: OE thurh f. WG