Swerved

To suddenly change direction or course, especially to avoid something or someone. This action often implies a quick and potentially unexpected maneuver. It can refer to physical movement, like a vehicle veering, or figuratively to a change in plan or behavior. The act often suggests a conscious decision to deviate from a previous trajectory, whether it's a literal path, or more abstract like one's beliefs. It usually indicates an avoidance tactic, or altering a path.

Swerved meaning with examples

• The car swerved violently to miss the dog running across the road, narrowly avoiding a collision with a parked vehicle. The driver quickly regained control, but the incident left everyone shaken. The unexpected motion jolted passengers, causing them to gasp. Afterwards, the car pulled over to assess any damage and calm their nerves. The dog disappeared into the bushes, unharmed.
• During the debate, the politician swerved the question about their controversial past, quickly pivoting to a pre-prepared statement about future plans. The audience noticed this attempt to deflect, creating visible murmurs of confusion. The moderator attempted a follow up, but the politician continued evading the direct question, repeating the prepared rhetoric. This left an overall negative impression.
• The cyclist swerved to avoid a pothole, losing their balance and tumbling onto the pavement. Despite the fall, they managed to avoid serious injury, only suffering minor scrapes. Witnessing the incident, a passerby rushed over to offer assistance, and the cyclist, grateful for their help, thanked them, and was able to remount their bike. Eventually, they were able to continue their ride.
• After weeks of focusing on a career change, she unexpectedly swerved and decided to pursue her long-held dream of writing a novel. This sudden shift in direction surprised her friends, who were unsure. The decision showed her ability to follow a different path. She began drafting her first chapters with renewed passion and enthusiasm, and felt her creative spirit take flight.