Drift Meaning and Definition
Drift
Pronunciation
/drɪft/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A tendency to move away from a straight line or a steady course, often used to describe the motion of a vehicle during a sharp turn or the movement of an object affected by external forces.
Examples
- The car drifted to the side of the road after taking the turn too fast.
- The boat drifted away from the shore in the strong current.
Synonyms
- Slip
- Slide
- Meander
Antonyms
- Steady
- Directed
- Linear
Additional Information
Drifting is a popular driving technique used in drifting competitions, where drivers intentionally oversteer and slide their cars around corners. It requires a specific setup and driving style to achieve the desired drift.
In physics, drift can refer to the movement of charged particles in a magnetic field or the flow of electric current under the influence of an electric field.
Etymology
The word “Drift” comes from Old English drift, meaning “a carrying or conveying away”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *druftiz, related to the Proto-Indo-European root *dhrubh, meaning “to flow” or “to run”.
Usage Notes
Drift is often used in various contexts, including driving, physics, and everyday language, to describe a movement away from a straight line or a steady course.
Cultural References
Drifting has been featured in popular media, including video games, movies, and TV shows, such as the Need for Speed series and the anime and manga series “Initial D”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To drift off
- Drift away from something or someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Slipstream
- Tailwind
- Fresh drift
Collocations
- Drift away from reality
- Drift into danger
- Drift off to sleep
Frequency of Use
Drift is a relatively common word in modern language, with a average frequency of use in everyday conversations.
Common Misspellings
- Drife
- Drive
- Drivet