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DictionarysheerSudden turn aside
verb

sheer

To turn suddenly away from a course.

The boat sheers away from the rocks.

Etymology
sheerDutchto turn aside

The nautical source concerns changing course. English preserves the sudden sideways departure when a vessel or other moving thing sheers away.

More examples

  • The driver sheered aside to avoid the fallen branch.
  • The vessel sheered off its course.
  • He watched the small craft sheer sharply to port.

Forms

sheer · sheers · sheered · sheering

Similar words

swerve
Turn suddenly away from a course.
veer
Change direction, not necessarily abruptly.