rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryswerveSudden change of direction
verb / noun

swerve

SWURV/swɜːrv/

A sudden turn away from a straight course.

The driver swerves to avoid a branch in the road.

An overhead three-quarter view of a car abruptly veering aside to avoid a fallen branch on a straight, lightly snow-covered road.
Etymology
swerveMiddle Englishto depart, turn aside

Middle English swerven already meant departing or turning aside, the central idea in a sudden change of course. Its apparent connection with an Old English verb meaning “rub” or “grind away” is difficult to explain.

In context

Libranima27:41
could neither spring forward to recover his own weapon nor swerve aside to avoid one that was aimed at him
The Iliad - Homer (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • A sudden swerve sends the cyclist into the grass.
  • The ball swerved to the left and missed the goal.
  • She nearly falls while swerving around a pothole.

Forms

swerve · swerves · swerved · swerving

Similar words

veer
Means changing direction, but not necessarily with a sudden turn.
dodge
Emphasizes moving quickly to avoid an obstacle or threat.
turn
Covers any change in direction, whether sudden or gradual.