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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

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veer

verb

/vɪər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of veer

To suddenly change direction or course, typically when describing the movement of an object, vehicle, or person.
"The wind caused the boat to veer off course, requiring the captain to make quick adjustments."

Detailed meaning of veer

When something veers, it deviates abruptly from its previous path, often taking an unexpected or different route. This change can occur in various contexts, such as a vehicle veering off the road, a conversation veering off topic, or a person's career veering in a new direction. The act of veering implies a swift and sometimes unpredictable shift, altering the intended trajectory and requiring a readjustment to the new path.

Example sentences containing veer

1. He felt his thoughts veer away from the painful memory.
2. The path seemed to veer suddenly to the right.
3. When the discussions veer into personal attacks, I tune out.
4. It's crucial to veer away from dangerous thoughts during times of stress.
5. You have to veer towards optimism if you want to remain positive.
6. The storm will likely veer north in the late afternoon.

History and etymology of veer

The verb 'veer' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old French word 'virer,' which means 'to turn' or 'to change direction.' This Old French term, in turn, is believed to have its roots in the Latin word 'vertere,' which also means 'to turn' or 'to change.' When we use the word 'veer' today, we are describing the sudden change in direction or course, often referring to the movement of objects, vehicles, or even people. The etymology of 'veer' reflects the historical connection between the act of turning and shifting direction, which is still captured by the word's usage in modern English.

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Further usage examples of veer

1. Their conversations always seem to veer towards politics.
2. She can veer wildly between moods, which can be challenging to deal with.
3. If we veer off this road, we may not reach our destination in time.
4. As an investor, it's risky to veer away from established market trends.
5. The cyclists had to veer sharply to avoid the pedestrian.
6. My heart tends to veer towards hope, no matter the situation.
7. The deer made the car veer off the road.
8. You should veer away from any choices that could harm your health.
9. If you veer left at the fork, you'll find the trailhead.
10. Her decision to veer from her usual routine surprised everyone.
11. They saw the vehicle veer towards the edge of the cliff.
12. He had to veer away from the traditional path to achieve his dreams.
13. I tend to veer towards practical solutions in complex situations.
14. You'll have to veer right here to get to the highway.