Definition

1. Noun:

   • An unbranded range animal, especially a stray calf: In ranching, a "maverick" is a young animal, particularly a calf, that has not been branded and therefore does not belong to any specific owner. It belongs to the first person who brands it.
   • Someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action: A person who thinks and acts independently, often refusing to conform to the norms or expectations of a group, organization, or ideology.

2. Adjective:

   • Independent in behavior or thought: Describes a person or their actions as being unconventional, nonconformist, and self-reliant.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Person):

  • The senator was considered a maverick for voting against his own party's bill.
  • In the world of technology, she was a true maverick, always pursuing her own unique ideas.

• Noun (Animal):

  • The cowboy rode out to find and brand the maverick before another rancher claimed it.

• Adjective:

  • His maverick approach to filmmaking won him both critics and admirers.
  • The company's maverick CEO often made decisions that surprised the industry.

Advanced Usage

• "Political maverick": A politician known for independent views and a willingness to break from party lines.

  • He built his reputation as a political maverick by challenging the establishment.

• "Maverick spirit": Refers to the quality of being fiercely independent and innovative.

  • The startup was founded on a maverick spirit, rejecting traditional business models.

Variants and Related Words

• Maverickism (n): The quality or practice of being a maverick; independent, unorthodox behavior.
  • His career was defined by a streak of maverickism.

Synonyms

• Noun (Person): Nonconformist, individualist, independent, rebel, dissenter, freethinker.
• Noun (Animal): Stray, unbranded calf.
• Adjective: Unconventional, unorthodox, independent, nonconformist, iconoclastic.

Antonyms

• Noun (Person): Conformist, traditionalist, follower.
• Adjective: Conventional, orthodox, conformist.

Word Origin

The term originates from the 19th-century American rancher Samuel A. Maverick, who, according to legend, did not brand his calves. Unbranded calves from his herd then came to be called "mavericks." The figurative sense for an independent-minded person developed later.

Adjective

1. independent in behavior or thought
   • she led a somewhat irregular private life
   • maverick politicians

Noun

1. an unbranded range animal (especially a stray calf); belongs to the first person who puts a brand on it
2. someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action