Shift

/ʃɪft/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a change in position, direction, or tendency.

There has been a noticeable shift in public opinion.

a scheduled working period.

She works the night shift at the hospital.

a change in gears or the mechanism used to change gears in a vehicle.

The driver had to make a quick shift to avoid the obstacle.

verb

to move or change from one position or direction to another.

She decided to shift her focus from studying to working.

to change in position, direction, or tendency.

The economy has shifted towards more sustainable practices.

to transfer something from one place, position, or situation to another.

He shifted the boxes to make room for the new furniture.

Middle English: shiften, of unknown origin.

shift gears:

To change one's approach or method.

shift the blame:

To pass responsibility to another.

shift into high gear:

To start to work more quickly or efficiently.

To leave or to depart quickly.

He's going to shift out of here before the party ends.

To change one's focus or intentions.

She shifted her priorities after realizing her goals.