Drift

/drɪft/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a gradual change or movement.

There was a drift in public opinion regarding the new policy.

a loosely organized group or trend.

The drift of the young artists is toward more abstract expressions.

a slow, steady movement or current.

We were caught in the drift of the river, moving downstream effortlessly.

verb

to be carried along by currents of air or water.

The boat began to drift away from the dock as the tide rose.

to move or progress slowly.

She found herself drifting into thoughts about her childhood.

to shift or change gradually.

The conversation started to drift towards politics.

Middle English, from Old Norse 'drif', meaning 'to drive' or 'to push'.

drift apart

To gradually end a friendship or relationship due to lack of interaction.

drift off

To fall asleep gradually.

driftwood

Wood that is washed ashore by the sea or a river.

drift in and out

To be in and out of consciousness or awareness.

drifting

The act of moving or causing to move slowly or purposefully.

drifter

A person who wanders aimlessly.

driftless

A term used to describe an area lacking in small hill formations, often associated with soil types.

To drive in a manner that causes the vehicle to lose traction.

We went to the parking lot to practice some drift with our cars.

To be in a relaxed state, often doing nothing productive.

After a long week, I just want to drift on the couch.