drift-anchor

A small sailboat deploys its drift-anchor in a calm bay.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sea anchor: "Drift-anchor" refers to a drogue or sea anchor, a device used to slow a vessel's drift in heavy weather or to keep it oriented to wind and waves, often deployed from the bow.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The crew deployed a drift-anchor to prevent the ship from drifting toward the rocks during the storm. (A sea anchor used to stabilize the vessel.)
  • In strong currents, a drift-anchor helps maintain a boat's position relative to the wind. (A drogue used for controlling drift.)

Advanced Usage

• "to set a drift-anchor": to deploy the sea anchor.
  • The sailor set a drift-anchor to reduce the boat's speed in the gale. (Activated the drogue for stability.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drift (n/v): a slow movement or change of position; to move aimlessly.

  • The boat's drift was slowed by the anchor. (The vessel's movement was reduced.)

• Anchor (n/v): a heavy object used to moor a vessel; to secure something.

  • The main anchor held the ship in place, while the drift-anchor controlled drift. (Two types of anchors used together.)

Synonyms

• Sea anchor: a drogue deployed from a vessel to reduce drift.
• Drogue: a cone-shaped device used as a sea anchor.

Related Idioms

• "Ride at anchor": to be stationary with an anchor deployed.
  • The ship rode at anchor, but the drift-anchor kept it steady. (The vessel was moored securely.)