online vocabulary.com

Careen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Careen means to move swiftly and uncontrollably, often while tilting or swaying, like a ship in rough waters. It can also describe rushing forward in a reckless or unsteady manner.

careen

/kəˈrin/ /kəˈriːn/

Definition:

To move swiftly and uncontrollably, often while tilting or swaying.

Synonyms:

tilt, sway, lurch, veer, swerve

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

stabilize, straighten

Common Collocations:

careen wildly, careen down the street, careen around corners

Derivatives:

careening, careened

Usage Tips:

Use "careen" to describe unsteady movement, often with a sense of speed or loss of control.

Common Phrases:

careen off course, careen into danger, careen through traffic

Etymology:

From French "carène" (ship's hull), originally referring to tilting a ship for cleaning or repair.

Examples:

  • 1. The car began to careen after hitting the icy patch.
  • 2. She watched the boat careen wildly in the stormy waves.
  • 3. The bike careened down the hill at breakneck speed.
  • 4. Drunk drivers often careen across lanes unpredictably.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS