Careening: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'careening' comes from the 18th century and was used to describe a ship tilting to one side to clean its hull.
• It originates from the French word 'cariner', which means to tilt, especially in naval contexts.
• Before it described cars or objects moving rapidly, it was purely a nautical term used by sailors.

Literature

• In classic literature, careening often symbolizes chaos or tumult, reflecting a character's emotional state.
• Famous authors like Jack Kerouac used careening to depict the reckless energy of the Jazz Age.
• The act of careening can represent a journey where one loses control but also gains freedom.

Pop Culture

• Action movies frequently depict cars careening through streets, emphasizing high stakes and adrenaline.
• Video games often include mechanics for careening vehicles, adding excitement and unpredictability to gameplay.
• In cartoons, characters often careen wildly causing humorous accidents, highlighting a whimsical form of chaos.

Psychology

• The concept of careening can be connected to feelings of losing control or letting go of order in one's life.
• Psychologically, people may careen through emotions in a way that reflects instability or urgency during crises.
• Careening can be seen as a metaphor for making rash decisions based on overwhelming feelings.

Science

• In physics, careening can relate to the concepts of momentum and angular momentum during rapid movement.
• Scientists analyze careening movements in robotics, helping to create machines that navigate unexpectedly like a human might.
• The study of aerodynamics includes observations of how objects can careen through the air, impacting design in transportation.

This word's position of #31,727 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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