Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tilt or lean to one side, especially in an uncontrolled or dangerous manner: This describes a sudden, often unstable, sideways movement, typically of a vehicle or vessel.
   • To move or proceed swiftly and in an uncontrolled, swerving manner: This sense emphasizes rapid, reckless, or lurching movement from side to side.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The truck began to careen dangerously on the icy road.
  • During the storm, the ship careened wildly in the rough seas.
  • The driver lost control, and the car careened off the highway.

Advanced Usage

• "to careen down/along/through": To move very quickly and unsteadily in a particular direction.
  • The bicycle careened down the steep hill, barely missing pedestrians.
  • The out-of-control wagon careened through the marketplace.

Variants and Related Words

• Careenage (n, historical): A place where a ship is careened (tilted on its side) for cleaning or repair.
• Careening (n): The act or instance of tilting or swaying dangerously.
  • The sudden careening of the bus frightened the passengers.

Synonyms

• Lurch: To make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement.
• Sway: To swing or lean from side to side.
• Swerve: To change direction suddenly, especially to avoid something.
• Tilt: To cause to slope or lean.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the exact word "careen." Its usage is typically literal, describing physical movement.)

Noun

1. pitching dangerously to one side

Verb

1. move sideways or in an unsteady way
   • The ship careened out of control
2. walk as if unable to control one's movements
   • The drunken man staggered into the room