swerve

[ swurv ]

verb (used without object)

, swerved, swerv·ing.

1. to turn aside abruptly in movement or direction; deviate suddenly from the straight or direct course.

verb (used with object)

, swerved, swerv·ing.

1. to cause to turn aside:

   Nothing could swerve him.

noun

1. an act of swerving; turning aside.

swerve

/ swɜːv /

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn aside, usually sharply or suddenly, from a course
2. tr to avoid (a person or event)

noun

1. the act, instance, or degree of swerving

Derived Forms

• ˈswerver, noun
• ˈswervable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·swerved adjective
• un·swerving adjective
• un·swerving·ly adverb
• un·swerving·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of swerve¹

1175–1225; Middle English swerven (v.); Old English sweorfan to rub, file; cognate with Dutch zwerven to rove, Old High German swerban, Old Norse sverfa to file, Gothic afswairban to wipe off

Word History and Origins

Origin of swerve¹

Old English sweorfan to scour; related to Old High German swerban to wipe off, Gothic afswairban to wipe off, Old Norse sverfa to file

Synonym Study

See deviate.

Example Sentences

The Maserati crossed over to the wrong side of a street, forcing drivers to swerve to avoid being hit.

From Los Angeles Times

The driver of the firetruck swerved around the ladder, resulting in the truck striking a guardrail and flipping over.

From Los Angeles Times

“A black car came speeding really, really fast ... screeching and then lost control, swerved over and slammed into a bunch of people,” one witness told KTLA.

From Los Angeles Times

"It would be reassuring to know that someone in authority was monitoring both the absolute number of licence holders swerving a ban and the reasons why they've been granted leave to keep driving," he said.

From BBC

It happens maybe once in a writer’s life, if it happens at all: A narrative path is established, and then without warning, it swerves in a new direction that feels like a gift.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deflect
• lurch
• skid
• stray
• veer