Yaw

Yaw (verb): To move or turn off course, especially momentarily, as a ship or aircraft does in response to wind or steering adjustments. It is a deviation from a straight course, typically oscillating from side to side. yaw is often used in the context of navigation or control systems, describing an unwanted or controlled deviation from the desired heading. It can also be used more broadly to describe any deviation from a straight or expected path. It is a vital concept in flight, boat, and vehicle control.

Yaw meaning with examples

• The sailboat began to yaw violently as the storm intensified, making it difficult for the crew to maintain their course and keep the boat upright in the rising waves. The pilot made a minor adjustment to the rudder to counteract the plane's slight yaw caused by unexpected gusts of crosswind near the airport.
• During turbulence, the airplane's fuselage would yaw left and right, creating uneasy feelings for the passengers onboard, although the pilots maintained control. This was common during severe storms.
• The drone's autopilot struggled to compensate for the wind, causing it to yaw erratically, threatening to cause it to crash. The operator tried to manually correct the drone's movement to land.
• The car's anti-lock braking system helps minimize yaw during sudden stops, allowing the driver to maintain directional control and preventing the vehicle from spinning out of control on icy roads when braking.