DictionarycareerUncontrolled movement
verb

career

To move quickly and uncontrollably.

The empty cart careers down the steep driveway.

Etymology

French carrière named a course, especially one for racing. The verb preserves the rapid motion along such a course, extending it to headlong or uncontrolled movement.

More examples

  • The car careered across the wet road.
  • A loose barrel was careering toward the gate.
  • They watched the sled career around the bend.

Forms

career · careers · careered · careering

Similar words

careen
Often swerves or tilts while moving quickly.
hurtle
Moves with great speed, without necessarily changing direction.