Skid: meaning, definitions and examples

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skid

[skɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the road

A sudden, uncontrolled slide on a slippery road surface, typically caused by overbraking or taking a corner too fast.

Synonyms

slide, slip, swerve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skid	This term is often used when a vehicle, usually a car or a bike, loses traction on the road, causing it to slide uncontrollably, typically on a slippery surface like ice or wet pavement. The car began to skid on the icy road.
slide	This word can describe a smooth, often gradual motion across a surface. It is not limited to vehicles and can be used in various contexts, including slipping on a polished floor or a sled moving down a hill. The children love to slide down the snow-covered hill on their sleds. She felt her feet slide on the polished floor.
slip	Typically used when someone or something accidentally loses grip or footing, causing a sudden, often minor, loss of balance. This term is frequently associated with falls or near-falls. He slipped on the wet floor and almost fell.
swerve	This word is used when a vehicle or person suddenly changes direction to avoid hitting something. It often implies a rapid, sometimes dangerous, maneuver. He had to swerve to avoid the deer that ran onto the road.

Examples of usage

The car went into a skid on the icy road.
He lost control of the vehicle and it went into a skid.
I had to steer into the skid to regain control of the car.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

driving

To slide along a surface in an uncontrolled manner, typically caused by loss of traction.

Synonyms

slide, slip, swerve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skid	Also refers to a platform on runners or wheels used to move heavy objects. The workers used a skid to transport the heavy machinery They loaded the boxes onto the skid for easier movement
slide	Used when describing smooth, continuous motion, often due to reduced friction, and can be applied to various contexts like people, objects, and natural phenomena. The children like to slide down the hill on their sleds He slid the books across the table
slip	Refers to losing footing or balance due to a slick surface underfoot, and can also mean to make a small mistake or to move quietly and quickly. She slipped on the wet floor and fell He managed to slip past the guard unnoticed There was a slip in the report that needed correction
swerve	Used when something, especially a vehicle, suddenly changes direction to avoid an obstacle or due to loss of control. The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting the deer His car swerved off the road and crashed into a tree

Examples of usage

The car skidded on the wet pavement.
The motorcycle skidded as he tried to avoid the obstacle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'skid' comes from the Old Norse word 'skida', which means to split or slide.
In the 19th century, it was primarily used to describe the sliding of a sled on snow.

Transportation

Skid marks are left behind by tires when a vehicle loses traction, and they are used in accident investigations.
Race car drivers often learn techniques to control skids on the track to maintain speed and avoid crashes.

Physics

Skidding involves the friction between tires and the road; when the tires cannot grip, skidding happens.
The force of kinetic friction determines how far and fast a vehicle can skid.

Pop Culture

In action movies, skids are often dramatized to create thrilling car chase scenes where vehicles lose control.
Skidding in video games often results in exciting gameplay moments and adds to realism.

Safety

Drivers are taught to avoid sudden movements in wet conditions to reduce the odds of skidding.
Most modern cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to help prevent skidding during sudden stops.

Translations

Translations of the word "skid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 derrapagem

🇮🇳 फिसलन

🇩🇪 Rutschen

🇮🇩 selip

🇺🇦 занос

🇵🇱 poślizg

🇯🇵 スリップ

🇫🇷 dérapage

🇪🇸 derrape

🇹🇷 kayıp

🇰🇷 미끄러짐

🇸🇦 انزلاق

🇨🇿 smýkání

🇸🇰 šmyk

🇨🇳 打滑

🇸🇮 drsenje

🇮🇸 renna

🇰🇿 тайғақ

🇬🇪 სრიალი

🇦🇿 sürüş

🇲🇽 derrape

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,370, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17367 vermin
17368 peep
17369 heralded
17370 skid
17371 encased
17372 conversed
17373 culpable
...