shunt
verb (used with object)
to shove or turn (someone or something) aside or out of the way.
were shunting
-
past progressiveof shunt.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Erasmus and his circle debated the Poor Laws, which were shunting the destitute into workhouses; they discussed the need for social reform.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
They were "shunting" wagons across the line when the express came up, or the pointsman did n't turn the switch, or the fog obscured the danger signal.
From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. II by Charles James Lever
Tugs were shunting car barges, and an occasional steam craft passed, but nowhere was there a sign of a motor-boat or of the fugitive Germans.
From The Secret Wireless or, The Spy Hunt of the Camp Brady Patrol by Lewis E. Theiss
The car rolled up to the bridge and passed over the dark waters where tugs were shunting car-floats into their docks and churning up white foam with their propellers.
From The Secret Wireless or, The Spy Hunt of the Camp Brady Patrol by Lewis E. Theiss
In Woking junction, until a late hour, trains were stopping and going on, others were shunting on the sidings, passengers were alighting and waiting, and everything was proceeding in the most ordinary way.
From The War of the Worlds by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
