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slew

verb

/sluː/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of slew

To cause to turn or slide, often in a sloppy or uncontrolled manner.
"The car slew across the wet road, narrowly avoiding the oncoming traffic."

Detailed meaning of slew

The verb "slew" is a versatile word that can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

One of the most common definitions of "slew" is to cause to turn or slide, often in a sloppy or uncontrolled manner. For example, a driver might slew their car around a sharp corner, or a large ship might slew off course in high seas.

Another meaning of "slew" is to kill or slay a large number of people or animals. For example, a ruler might be said to have slewn their enemies in battle, or a disease might slew a significant portion of a population.

"Slew" can also be used to mean a large number or quantity of something. For example, a speaker might use the phrase "a slew of evidence" to indicate a large amount of evidence, or "a slew of new hires" to describe a large number of new employees.

Overall, "slew" is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of actions and concepts, from turning and sliding to killing and quantity.

Example sentences containing slew

1. He slew the tiller to starboard in an attempt to avoid the looming iceberg.
2. As the storm picked up, the ship slew violently in the towering waves.
3. The sudden gust of wind made the kite slew uncontrollably in the sky.
4. The truck slew around the corner, just barely missing the pedestrian.
5. When the tires lost traction, the bike slew into a patch of gravel.
6. As the roller coaster descended, it slew to the side, making the riders scream.

History and etymology of slew

The verb 'slew' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'slewen,' which meant 'to turn or twist.' Its precise origins are somewhat obscure, but 'slew' aptly describes the action of causing something to turn or slide, often in a sloppy or uncontrolled manner. The term conveys a sense of abrupt and forceful movement, sometimes with a lack of precision or finesse. 'Slew' is frequently used in the context of vehicles or objects sliding or skidding off course, suggesting a sudden deviation from the intended path. It embodies the idea of a rapid and often chaotic change in direction, emphasizing the element of uncontrolled motion.

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Further usage examples of slew

1. The heavy rainfall made the river slew across its usual path.
2. The plane slew on the runway as it landed in the heavy rain.
3. The skater slew across the ice, struggling to regain control.
4. She slew the steering wheel to the left, narrowly avoiding the fallen tree.
5. The cart slew down the hill, its wheels squeaking in protest.
6. As he sped up, the racer's sled slew wildly on the icy track.
7. The tractor slew through the muddy field, splashing muck everywhere.
8. In his panic, the driver slew the car towards the ditch.
9. The shopping cart slew sideways as it was pushed with too much force.
10. With the sudden turn, the motorbike slew onto the sidewalk.
11. The boat slew across the lake, pushed by a gusty wind.
12. The skier slew down the slope, trying to avoid other skiers.
13. The football player slew across the field, evading the oncoming defenders.
14. The icy road caused the car to slew dangerously.
15. He hit the brakes hard, making the bicycle slew to a stop.
16. The sudden gust of wind made the kite slew sideways.
17. The wet mud caused the hiker to slew and lose balance.
18. The skier managed to slew gracefully down the slope.
19. The skateboarder tried to slew into a fancy trick but fell.
20. The torrential rain made the car slew on the slick highway.
21. The ballplayer slew the ball into the outfield with power.
22. On the slick dance floor, she slew and nearly fell.
23. The speeding car slewed around the sharp curve.
24. The gusty winds caused the plane to slew during landing.