tilt

¹

[ tilt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to lean, incline, slope, or slant.
2. to rush at or charge, as in a joust.
3. to hold poised for attack, as a lance.
4. to move (a camera) up or down on its vertical axis for photographing or televising a moving character, object, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to move into or assume a sloping position or direction.
2. to strike, thrust, or charge with a lance or the like (usually followed by at ).
3. to engage in a joust, tournament, or similar contest.
4. (of a camera) to move on its vertical axis:

   The camera tilts downward for an overhead shot.

5. to incline in opinion, feeling, etc.; lean:

   She's tilting toward the other candidate this year.

noun

1. an act or instance of tilting.
2. the state of being tilted; a sloping position.
3. a slope.
4. a joust or any other contest.
5. a dispute; controversy.
6. a thrust of a weapon, as at a tilt or joust.
7. (in aerial photography) the angle formed by the direction of aim of a camera and a perpendicular to the surface of the earth.

tilt

²

[ tilt ]

noun

1. a cover of coarse cloth, canvas, etc., as for a wagon.
2. an awning.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a tilt.

tilt

¹

/ tɪlt /

verb

1. to incline or cause to incline at an angle
2. usually intr to attack or overthrow (a person or people) in a tilt or joust
3. whenintr, often foll by at to aim or thrust

   to tilt a lance

4. tr to work or forge with a tilt hammer

noun

1. a slope or angle

   at a tilt

2. the act of tilting
3. esp in medieval Europe
   1. a jousting contest
   2. a thrust with a lance or pole delivered during a tournament
4. an attempt to win a contest
5. See tilt hammer
6. full tilt or at full tilt
   at full speed or force

tilt

²

/ tɪlt /

noun

1. an awning or canopy, usually of canvas, for a boat, booth, etc

verb

1. tr to cover or provide with a tilt

Derived Forms

• ˈtilter, noun

Other Words From

• tilta·ble adjective
• tilter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tilt¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English tilte(n), tilt(e), tult “to fall down, upset, tumble,” akin to Old English tealt “unsteady,” tealtian “to stumble”; compare dialectal Norwegian tylta “to tiptoe,” tylten “unsteady,” Swedish tulta “to totter”

Origin of tilt²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English teld(e), telt(e), tild(e) “dwelling (temporary or permanent), fort, tent,” Old English teld “tent, pavilion”; cognate with German Zelt “tent,” Old Norse tjald “tent, tapestry, curtain”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tilt¹

Old English tealtian; related to Dutch touteren to totter, Norwegian tylta to tiptoe, tylten unsteady

Origin of tilt²

Old English teld; related to Old High German zelt tent, Old Norse tjald tent

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. tilt at windmills, to contend against imaginary opponents or injustices. Also fight with windmills.
2. (at) full tilt. full tilt.

Example Sentences

Republicans are attempting to hold onto gains they posted in 2022, a challenge given New York's Democratic tilt and the high turnout environment of a presidential election.

From Salon

One might think that local popular outrage toward outsiders would tilt the balance in favor of Jon Tester, who started out as a dirt farmer from Big Sandy.

From Slate

However, her fortunes could swing with the presidential turnout in the state, especially in the district that has a slight partisan tilt toward Republicans.

From Salon

Whatever their numbers, in an election in which polls have consistently recorded essentially a swing-state dead heat between Harris and Trump, even that tiny number might be enough to tilt the final result.

From Salon

Californians such as Banuet hoping to buoy Harris’ presidential bid recognize they can have little impact on the race for the White House in the Golden State, given its cobalt-blue tilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angle
• inclination
• leaning
• slant