Careen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
careen
[kษหriหn ]
Definitions
movement speed
To careen means to move swiftly in an uncontrolled manner, often tilting or swerving. It is commonly used to describe vehicles, especially when they are moving at high speed or are out of control. The term can also apply to any object that is moving in a reckless or unsteady way. It derives from the idea of something that is not securely balanced and is at risk of tipping over.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The car careened around the corner.
- The ship careened through the rough waters.
- He watched as the bicycle careened down the hill.
ship maintenance
In nautical terms, to careen refers to the process of leaning a ship on its side to clean, caulk, or repair its hull. This practice allows shipwrights to access parts of the vessel that are usually submerged. The word conveys a technical aspect of ship maintenance and indicates the careful manipulation of the ship's balance in order to achieve proper access.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The sailors needed to careen the ship for repairs.
- During the storm, they decided to careen the vessel to check for damage.
- He is skilled in the art of careening ships safely.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, careening often describes characters in perilous situations, emphasizing their chaotic movement or loss of control.
- Used symbolically, the act of careening can represent emotional or mental turmoil in a character's journey.
Pop Culture
- In action films, cars careening out of control create suspense and excitement, highlighting danger.
- Video games often feature racing scenes where players must navigate careening vehicles to score points or win races.
Psychology
- Metaphorically, caring can reflect impulsive decision-making, where individuals might 'careen' through life's challenges without thinking.
- The concept can tie into high-stress environments where individuals feel overwhelmed and act recklessly.
Science
- In physics, the term can describe objects in motion that experience forces causing them to veer off their intended path.
- Careening is discussed in the context of vehicular dynamics, focusing on how different actions affect stability and control.
Origin of 'careen'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the French word 'cariner' which means 'to tilt.'
- The word has roots in the Latin word 'carina,' referring to the hull of a ship, connecting it to movement.
- Initially used in nautical contexts, describing ships as they sway or tilt during sailing.
The word 'careen' comes from the late Middle English 'careynen,' which itself is derived from the Old French 'cariner', meaning 'to lean or to tilt.' The term is rooted in the nautical field, where it was initially used to describe the action of a ship tilting to one side for maintenance purposes. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any swift, uncontrolled movement. The word's evolution reflects its connections to both maritime practices and more general contexts of movement. In the 18th century, it became increasingly common to describe the way vehicles, especially cars, behave in sudden or reckless conditions, leading to its current dual usage in both nautical and vehicular contexts.