English Dictionary

Definition of “veer”

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1veer1 (vɪəPronunciation for veer1) 

Definitions

verb

  1. to alter direction (of); swing around
  2. (intr) to change from one position, opinion, etc, to another
  3. (intr)
    1. (of the wind) to change direction clockwise in the northern hemisphere and anticlockwise in the southern
    2. nautical to blow from a direction nearer the stern Compare haul (sense 5)
  4. nautical to steer (a vessel) off the wind

noun

  1. a change of course or direction

Word Origin

C16: from Old French virer,  probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh gwyro to diverge

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= change direction turn, swerve, shift, sheer, tack, be deflected change course change,

2veer2 (vɪəPronunciation for veer2) 

Definitions

verb

  1. (tr; often foll by out or away) nautical to slacken or pay out (cable or chain)

Word Origin

C16: from Dutch vieren,  from Old High German fieren to give direction

Usage examples

  • People, it soon becomes clear to the legal secretary, veer either to the delinquent or to the boring.
    Weldon, Fay, Splitting (1995)
  • Yet, media being media, the Image can veer way out of control.
    Business Today (2002)
  • I don't care how many upward dogs you do, it falls, "she says in her trademark throaty voice, as we veer through the shoe department.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Cher had the guts to experiment, but in the 1980s, her style began to veer towards the gaudy.
    Times, Sunday Times (2005)
  • At the very last minute, within a few feet of your head, they would veer away, fly round and come in again.
    Durrell, Gerald, How to Shoot an Amateur Naturalist (1985)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'V'

Related Terms

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