Skid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skid
[skษชd ]
Definitions
on the road
A sudden, uncontrolled slide on a slippery road surface, typically caused by overbraking or taking a corner too fast.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
driving
To slide along a surface in an uncontrolled manner, typically caused by loss of traction.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skid |
Also refers to a platform on runners or wheels used to move heavy objects.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| swerve |
Used when something, especially a vehicle, suddenly changes direction to avoid an obstacle or due to loss of control.
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Examples of usage
- The car skidded on the wet pavement.
- The motorcycle skidded as he tried to avoid the obstacle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'skid'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'skid' originated in the early 17th century, deriving from the Old Norse word 'skรญth', meaning 'piece of wood'. Originally used in the context of a log or timber, it later evolved to refer to a sliding or slipping movement.