Swerve
/swɜrv/
verbnounB2
Definition
Swerve means to quickly turn your body, vehicle, or path away from a straight line, often to avoid hitting something or someone. It can be used as a verb (to do the action) or as a noun (the action itself). This sudden change is usually unexpected and sharp.
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See It in Action
To change direction quickly to avoid something
- •The driver swerved to avoid hitting the cyclist.
- •She swerved off the road when an animal appeared suddenly.
- •The ball swerved in the air, surprising the goalkeeper.
The action or instance of suddenly changing direction
- •That swerve saved the car from a crash.
- •He made a quick swerve to avoid the pothole.
- •The sudden swerve startled the passengers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "swerve" like "turn" (A1 word), but much faster and more sudden, like a quick dodge or move
- ✓Picture a car on a road suddenly turning left or right very fast to avoid hitting a dog or object
- ✓It feels like the quick surprise when you have to move fast to avoid danger or a problem
- ✓Sounds like "swerve" → imagine a "swerve" as a sharp curve in a dance or a fast car moving side to side
- ✓Think of a soccer player who suddenly changes direction to avoid an opponent—this quick move is a swerve
- ✓NOT like "turn" (slow, planned change), "swerve" is sudden and often to avoid something
- ✓NOT like "drift" (slow, smooth sliding), "swerve" is sharp and quick
- ✓NOT like "stop" (ending movement), "swerve" is changing direction while moving
Try Other Words
- •Dodge: to move quickly to avoid something (Use when focusing on avoiding rather than just changing direction)
- •Veer: to change direction gradually or suddenly (Use when the change can be less sharp or more natural)
- •Turn: to change direction (Use for normal, planned changes in direction)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) root word "swerve"
- •Etymology: From Old English "sweorfan," meaning to turn aside or deviate
- •Historical development: Used since early English to describe a sudden change in direction or path, especially in travel or movement
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in driving, sports, or any situation involving quick directional changes; also used metaphorically for changing ideas or behavior suddenly
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you had to swerve quickly in daily life? What caused it?
•How does the idea of "swerving" apply to decisions or ideas, not just physical movement?
Fill in the blanks
1.The driver had to swerve ___ the fallen tree to avoid an accident.
2.When the ball started to swerve ___ the goal, the goalkeeper prepared to catch it.
3.Unlike a slow turn, a swerve is a ___ and sudden change in direction.
4.She swerved ___ the question because she did not want to answer it directly.
5.The sudden swerve ___ the passengers, making them hold on tightly.
6.A swerve is often caused by the need to ___ something dangerous quickly.
7.The cyclist swerved ___ the car that was coming too close on the road.