veer

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to change direction or course suddenly

   The car began to veer sharply toward the guardrail.

Simplified etymology

Veer came into English in the late 16th century from French virer, “to turn,” which is thought to be an alteration of Latin gyrare, “to revolve,” from Greek guros, “ring.” It was first used nautically of the wind changing gradually, then acquired the broader sense “change course” in the early 17th century. The same French verb also lies behind environ and environment.

From Middle French 'virer' ('to turn'), of uncertain origin, possibly from a blend of Latin 'gyrare' ('to turn') and 'viria' ('bracelet'). The nautical sense influenced later use.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary