What does skidded mean?
“Skidded” is the past tense and past participle of “skid.” In its most common physical sense, it describes a vehicle or other object moving suddenly sideways after slipping, sliding, or losing traction. A car may skid on ice, wet pavement, or gravel, and a bicycle or motorcycle may skid while turning. The word can also be used figuratively for abruptly changing course to avoid an unpleasant subject, responsibility, or consequence. This figurative use often carries a slightly critical tone, suggesting an evasive or uncontrolled change of direction. “Skidded” is appropriate when the movement is sudden and often accidental; for ordinary, controlled sliding, “slid” may be more suitable. The related noun “skid” names both the loss of traction itself and, historically, a device fitted beneath a wheel to prevent slipping.
verbTo move suddenly sideways, usually as a result of losing traction or control. It can also mean to swerve or divert one's course, especially to avoid a difficult situation or topic.
- To move suddenly sideways, especially as a result of losing traction or control.
- To swerve or divert one's course, often to avoid an obligation, topic, or danger.
"The car skidded across the icy road and stopped at the curb."
"The truck skidded on the wet road and struck the barrier."
"The politician skidded away from the question when reporters pressed him for details."
A skid is the moment a vehicle's careful journey across the pavement suddenly becomes a sideways slide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skidded come from?
The word comes from Middle English “skid,” probably borrowed from Old Norse “skíð,” meaning a ski or a wooden runner. The English meaning developed from the movement of skis or runners to the sudden sideways slipping of a wheel or vehicle. The related English verb “skidder” has long conveyed the idea of moving or sliding unevenly, while “ski” comes through Norwegian from the same Old Norse source.
Related word forms
How skidded is actually used
The word is standard in both British and American English. In its figurative sense, it often suggests an abrupt or clumsy avoidance of a problem rather than a deliberate change of direction.
Easily confused with skidded
A skid usually involves a sudden sideways movement caused by a loss of traction, while a slide can be a controlled movement down a slope or smooth surface.