DictionarynegotiateGetting past obstacles
verb

negotiate

To successfully make one's way past an obstacle or along a difficult route.

The driver slows down to negotiate a sharp bend safely.

Etymology

The Latin verb concerns conducting business. From handling affairs successfully, negotiate broadened to managing a difficult physical passage or getting past an obstacle.

More examples

  • She negotiates the icy steps without slipping.
  • We negotiated the narrow passage one at a time.
  • The hikers move slowly, negotiating rocks and fallen branches.

Forms

negotiate · negotiates · negotiated · negotiating

Similar words

navigate
Emphasizes finding and following a course through difficult surroundings.
traverse
Means crossing an area, without necessarily encountering obstacles.