1. Stubbornly refusing to be controlled or guided: This is the most common meaning. It suggests someone who is difficult to manage, who acts independently and perhaps even recklessly.
Examples:
* "The wayward child refused to listen to his parents."
* "Her wayward imagination led her to believe in impossible things."
2. Deviating from the proper course or expected path: This meaning emphasizes the idea of going astray or off track.
Examples:
* "The wayward river flowed in unpredictable directions."
* "The wayward thoughts kept interrupting his focus."
In both cases, "wayward" implies a lack of control, discipline, or adherence to rules. It can be used to describe people, animals, things, or even ideas.