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

"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

The Rolls-Royce driver swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid the collision, ran into a Chevy Traverse and crashed into the curb.

From Los Angeles Times

Australia, buoyed and making gainline metres, were back within a point after 35 minutes as lively replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott swerved outside George Martin and fed the supporting Wilson for their second try.

From BBC

As the city awakens, motorbikes weave through the streets in a hurry, and any driver will tell you that it’s dogs and cows—not cats—around whom they will swerve on their morning commute.

From Salon

Related Words

• deflect
• lurch
• skid
• stray
• veer