Veer: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used when talking about a sudden or sharp change in direction, commonly in driving or in a figurative sense to indicate a shift in topic or behavior.

• The car began to veer off the road.
• The conversation veered toward politics.

Often used to describe a quick, sudden change in direction, usually to avoid something. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

• The driver swerved to avoid hitting the cat.
• The discussion swerved away from the main issue.

Typically used in more formal contexts to describe a change from a planned or expected course, path, or behavior.

• He tends to deviate from the main topic.
• The plane had to deviate from its original flight path.

A more general term used to describe changing direction or orientation. It is less sudden and can refer to physical movements or changes in events or situations.

• She turned left at the corner.
• His life took a positive turn after the new job.

Often used to describe a sudden change in direction or course, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense. It implies a sharp and sometimes unexpected turn or deviation.

• The car suddenly veered off the road.
• Their conversation veered into a completely different topic.

Typically used to describe something that is not tight or firm, often with a slight negative connotation implying carelessness or lack of effort.

• The rope became slack after the heavy load was removed.
• His work has been slack recently, and he's been missing deadlines.

Used when making something less tight or more relaxed. This can apply to physical objects, rules, or situations.

• He loosened his tie after the long meeting.
• They decided to loosen the strict regulations for a more relaxed environment.