Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Swerved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚗
Add to dictionary

swerved

[swÉœrvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

vehicle movement

To swerve means to change direction suddenly, especially while driving a vehicle. It is often done to avoid an obstacle or to make a sharp turn. The action typically implies a quick and sometimes unexpected movement.

Synonyms

change course, divert, turn, veer.

Examples of usage

  • The car swerved to avoid a pedestrian.
  • He swerved sharply to the left to dodge the oncoming truck.
  • She swerved off the road to avoid hitting the deer.
  • The cyclist swerved to miss the pothole.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In storytelling, characters often swerve to avoid danger, symbolizing quick thinking and adaptability.
  • The act of swerving can serve as a metaphor for life's unexpected changes and decisions in various literary works.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies, swerving cars often create thrilling chase scenes, emphasizing danger and excitement.
  • The term is frequently used in sports commentary, especially in racing or when discussing athletes' quick movements.

Psychology

  • Swerving can also reflect decision-making processes; quick changes in direction can indicate adaptability or fear.
  • Cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch thoughts or actions, is related to the idea of 'swerving' in our daily routines.

Safety and Transportation

  • Drivers are trained to swerve away from obstacles as a defensive driving technique to prevent accidents.
  • Understanding the physics of a vehicle's ability to swerve is vital in automotive design and safety features.

Origin of 'swerved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'swerfan', meaning to bend or curve.
  • Its roots are related to the German 'scherfen', which means to shear or cut, highlighting a sharp change in direction.

The word 'swerve' comes from Middle English 'swerfen', which means 'to turn aside'. Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'sweorfan', meaning 'to cut' or 'to scrape off'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a sudden change in direction, often associated with vehicles. The term has been used in literature and everyday language for centuries, capturing the moment of quick movement that implies both grace and urgency. This evolution reflects the dynamics of travel and transport in human culture, highlighting our need to navigate obstacles in various environments.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,926, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.