First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1veer
verb \ˈvir\
Definition of VEER
transitive verb
: to let out (as a rope)
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Origin of VEER
Middle English veren, of Low German or Dutch origin; akin to Middle Dutch vieren to slacken, Middle Low German vīren
Rhymes with VEER
2veer
verb
Definition of VEER
intransitive verb
1
: to change direction or course <the economy veered sharply downward>
2
of the wind : to shift in a clockwise direction — compare back
3
of a ship : to change course by turning the stern to the wind
transitive verb
: to direct to a different course; specifically : wear 7
— veer·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
Origin of VEER
Middle English veren, from Middle French virer, from Old French, to throw with a twisting motion, from Vulgar Latin *virare, alteration of Latin vibrare to wave, propel suddenly — more at vibrate
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of VEER
swerve, veer, deviate, depart, digress, diverge mean to turn aside from a straight course. swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness <swerved to avoid hitting the dog>. veer implies a major change in direction <at that point the path veers to the right>. deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course <never deviated from her daily routine>. depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type <occasionally departs from his own guidelines>. digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse <a professor prone to digress>. diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions <after school their paths diverged>.
3veer
noun
Definition of VEER
: a change in course or direction <a veer to the right>
First Known Use of VEER
circa 1611
VEER[1] Defined for Kids
veer
verb \ˈvir\
veeredveer·ing
Definition of VEER for Kids
: to change direction
Learn More About VEER
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