widdershins

/ˈwɪdərˌʃɪnz/
adjective
  1. Moving or directed counterclockwise.
    • They followed a widdershins path around the hill, as the old legend instructed.
    • The widdershins spiral on the ancient stone was a mystery to archaeologists.
    • The widdershins motion of the water in the sink seemed unnatural.
adverb
  1. In a direction opposite to the usual clockwise direction; counterclockwise.
    • The dancers moved widdershins around the maypole.
    • In some old traditions, walking widdershins around a church was considered bad luck.
    • She turned the knob widdershins, but the door wouldn't open.
  2. In a way that is contrary to the natural order; unlucky or wrong.
    • Everything seemed to be going widdershins that day, with one problem after another.
    • The project went widdershins from the start, with delays and mistakes piling up.
    • He felt that his luck had turned widdershins ever since he moved to the new town.