swerve
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /swɜrv/
KK: /swɜrv/
noun
Definition
The action of suddenly changing direction, especially while driving or moving.
Example
The car made a sudden swerve to avoid hitting the dog in the road.
Conversation
Did you see that car swerve in front of us earlier?
Yeah, it was really close!
I wonder what made the driver swerve like that.
It could have been an animal or something unexpected on the road.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
curve
turn
bend
Antonyms
straight
continuation
path
transitive verb
Definition
To change direction suddenly, especially to avoid something.
Example
The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting the deer in the road.
Tense Forms
Past: swerved
Past Participle: swerved
Conversation
Did you see how that car had to swerve to avoid the cyclist?
Yeah, it was really close!
I always worry about those near misses on the road.
Root Explanation
Swerve → This word originates from Old English 'sweorfan', meaning to turn aside or deviate. The word 'swerve' describes the action of turning away from a straight path or course.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vehicle that suddenly 'turns aside' from its path — that's what swerve means.
Visually Confused Words
serve
wervel
swarve
sterve
servet
server
weve
were