verb

bear

To move in a specified direction.

The trail bears left beyond the fallen tree.

Etymology

The older verb means to carry. Movement in a direction extends that idea: a traveler or vehicle carries its course toward one side, as when bearing left.

More examples

  • We bore north after crossing the creek.
  • Bear right at the next fork.
  • The path has borne steadily uphill since the bridge.

Forms

bear · bears · bore · borne · bearing

Similar words

veer
Suggests a more noticeable change of direction.
turn
Can indicate a sharper change rather than a gradual course.