First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
swerve
verb \ˈswərv\
: to change direction suddenly especially to avoid hitting someone or something
swervedswerv·ing
Full Definition of SWERVE
intransitive verb
: to turn aside abruptly from a straight line or course : deviate
transitive verb
: to cause to turn aside or deviate
— swerve noun
See swerve defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SWERVE
Middle English, from Old English sweorfan to wipe, file away; akin to Old High German swerban to wipe off, Welsh chwerfu to whirl
Synonym Discussion of SWERVE
swerve, veer, deviate, depart, digress, diverge mean to turn aside from a straight course. swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness <swerved to avoid hitting the dog>. veer implies a major change in direction <at that point the path veers to the right>. deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course <never deviated from her daily routine>. depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type <occasionally departs from his own guidelines>. digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse <a professor prone to digress>. diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions <after school their paths diverged>.
SWERVING Defined for Kids
1swerve
verb \ˈswərv\
swervedswerv·ing
Definition of SWERVE for Kids
: to turn aside suddenly from a straight line or course <The van swerved to avoid an oncoming car.>
2swerve
noun
Definition of SWERVE for Kids
: an act or instance of turning aside suddenly
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