What does veered mean?
Veered is the past tense and past participle of veer, a verb meaning to turn or change direction. It is especially used when a vehicle, person, path, or course of movement changes direction noticeably, often suddenly: a ship may veer to avoid another vessel, while a car may veer onto the shoulder. The verb also has a figurative sense in which a discussion, plan, or line of action shifts unexpectedly to a different subject or direction. In these contexts, veered often carries a connotation of suddenness, deviation from an expected course, or loss of direction. Although it can describe a deliberate turn, it frequently implies a movement that differs from the original plan. Veered is used in standard British and American English and is generally somewhat more formal or literary than the everyday alternative turned.
verb (past tense and past participle of veer)Changed direction or course, especially suddenly or noticeably. In figurative use, it means shifted from one course, subject, or line of action to another.
- To change direction or course, especially suddenly or sharply.
- To move away from a planned path, route, or destination.
- To shift abruptly from one subject, course of action, or line of thought to another.
"The ship veered sharply to avoid the approaching storm."
"The car veered off the road and onto the grassy verge."
"After discussing the proposal for several minutes, the conversation veered into personal criticism."
The word behind veered can describe a ship changing course, a driver swerving, or a conversation taking an unexpected turn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veered come from?
Veered derives from the Middle English verb viren, which came through Anglo-French from Latin vertere, meaning “to turn.” The modern verb developed senses relating to changing direction and, by extension, to diverging from a course. Related English words from the same Latin root include version, convert, versatile, and diverse.
Related word forms
How veered is actually used
The word is common but can sound somewhat more formal or literary than turn or change direction. Its figurative uses often suggest an unexpected or abrupt shift.
Easily confused with veered
Veered means to turn or change direction, whereas veered is simply its past-tense and past-participle form.
Veered means changed direction or course, while verged means approached a boundary, limit, or state.