to swerve
Pronunciation
/ˈswɝv/

Definition & Meaning of "swerve"in English

to swerve
01

to change direction suddenly, often to avoid something or someone in the way

Intransitive: to swerve | to swerve to a direction
to swerve definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Movement verb
Regular
Present tense
swerve
3rd person singular
swerves
Present participle
swerving
Past simple
swerved
Past participle
swerved
Examples
The driver had to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting a deer that unexpectedly crossed the road.
02

to turn something aside or cause it to deviate from its original path or direction

Transitive: to swerve a moving object or vehicle
Examples
The air traffic controller instructed the pilot to swerve the plane to the right to avoid potential turbulence.
03

to deliberately avoid someone or something, often in a social context

Slang

What does "to swerve" mean in slang?

The structure is a simple verb borrowed from driving, where swerving means to turn suddenly to avoid an obstacle, repurposed for social situations. It is used to describe deliberately avoiding someone or something, often a person, a conversation, or a responsibility, typically to dodge drama, unwanted attention, or awkwardness. People typically say "I'm swerving that" when ignoring a text, avoiding an ex at a party, or steering clear of a conflict.

Examples
If I see that guy at the party, I 'm just going to swerve him.
Swerve
01

the act of turning aside suddenly

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
swerves
02

an erratic deflection from an intended course

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