drift
noun
1. a force that moves something along
Similar word(s): impetus, impulsion
Definition categories: phenomenon, force
2. the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
Definition categories: process, action, activity
3. a process of linguistic change over a period of time
Definition categories: process
4. a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents
Definition categories: object, mass
5. a general tendency to change (as of opinion)
Similar word(s): movement, trend
Definition categories: thought, disposition, inclination, tendency
6. the pervading meaning or tenor
- caught the general drift of the conversation
Similar word(s): purport
Definition categories: thought, strain, tenor
7. a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine
- they dug a drift parallel with the vein
Similar word(s): gallery, heading
Definition categories: man–made, passageway
Sentences with drift as a noun:
- a drift of snow, of ice, of sand, etc.
verb
1. be in motion due to some air or water current
- the boat drifted on the lake
- The sailboat was adrift on the open sea
- the shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
2. wander from a direct course or at random
- don't drift from the set course
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
3. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
- the laborers drift from one town to the next
Similar word(s): cast, ramble, range, roam, roll, rove, stray, swan, tramp, vagabond, wander
Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel
4. vary or move from a fixed point or course
- stock prices are drifting higher
Definition categories: stative, vary
5. live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely
- My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school
Similar word(s): freewheel
Definition categories: stative, exist, live, subsist, survive
6. move in an unhurried fashion
- The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests
Definition categories: motion, circulate
7. cause to be carried by a current
- drift the boats downstream
Definition categories: motion, float
8. drive slowly and far afield for grazing
- drift the cattle herds westwards
Definition categories: contact, crop, graze, pasture
9. be subject to fluctuation
- The stock market drifted upward
Definition categories: change
10. be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current
- snow drifting several feet high
- sand drifting like snow
Definition categories: change, accumulate, amass, conglomerate, cumulate, gather
Sentences with drift as a verb:
- The boat drifted away from the shore.
- The balloon was drifting in the breeze.
- He drifted from town to town, never settling down.
- This car tends to drift left at high speeds.
- A current of wind drifts snow or sand
- Snow or sand drifts.