Definition

To change direction suddenly or to turn aside from a course or path.

Example

The car had to veer to avoid hitting the dog in the road.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the car had to veer to avoid that pothole?

Yeah, it almost lost control!

I wonder how many times drivers have to veer on that road.

Too many, I bet! They really need to fix those.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A change in direction or course, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

Example

The car made a sudden veer to the left to avoid hitting the pedestrian.

Conversation

Did you notice that sudden veer in the road on our drive yesterday?

Yeah, it was a bit unexpected, wasn't it?

I almost thought we were going off-course because of that veer.

Definition

To change direction suddenly or to turn aside from a straight course.

Example

The driver had to veer to avoid hitting the pedestrian.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how I had to veer to avoid that pothole?

Yeah, I noticed! That was a close call.

I didn't expect it to come out of nowhere like that.

Root Explanation

Veer originates from the Middle English 'verien', meaning to change direction or turn. It is derived from the Old French 'virer', meaning to turn or to change direction, which in turn comes from the Latin 'virare', meaning to turn or to change course. The word 'veer' means to change direction suddenly or to turn aside.

Memory Tip

Imagine a vehicle that suddenly 'turns' or 'changes direction' — that's what veering means.

Visually Confused Words