veer
word
Definition
To change direction suddenly or gradually, especially while moving. Often refers to vehicles, people, or plans shifting away from a straight path.
Usage & Nuances
"Veer" is somewhat formal or literary. Common collocations include 'veer left/right,' 'veer off course,' and 'the conversation veered.' Used for both literal (movement) and figurative (plans, topics) shifts. Do not use for small, intentional turns (use 'turn').
Spanish: desviarse - virar (dirección)Portuguese (BR): desviar - mudar de direçãoPortuguese (PT): desviar - mudar de direçãoChinese (Simplified): 转向 - 改变方向Chinese (Traditional): 轉向 - 改變方向Hindi: मोड़ लेना - दिशा बदलनाArabic: ينحرف - يغيّر اتجاههBengali: হঠাৎ দিক পরিবর্তন করা - সরে যাওয়াRussian: сворачивать - отклонятьсяJapanese: 急に方向を変える - 逸れるVietnamese: chệch hướng - đổi hướng bất ngờKorean: 방향을 틀다 - 벗어나다Turkish: yön değiştirmek - sapmakUrdu: رخ بدلنا - منحرف ہوناIndonesian: membelok tiba-tiba - menyimpang
Example Sentences
The boat began to veer off course.
basic
He tried to veer away from the dog in the road.
basic
The conversation veered onto politics.
natural
Traffic can suddenly veer if there's an accident ahead.
natural
Just when things felt settled, her plans veered in a new direction.
natural
The car suddenly veered to the left.
basic