Drift

/dɹɪft/ · noun

Meaning

(physical) Movement; that which moves or is moved..

Definitions by Sense

1. (physical) Movement; that which moves or is moved.
2. The act or motion of drifting; the force which impels or drives; an overpowering influence or impulse.
3. A place (a ford) along a river where the water is shallow enough to permit crossing to the opposite side.
4. The tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct, or the like; object aimed at or intended; intention; hence, also, import or meaning of a sentence or discourse; aim.
5. (architecture) The horizontal thrust or pressure of an arch or vault upon the abutments.
6. (handiwork) A tool.
7. A deviation from the line of fire, peculiar to obloid projectiles.
8. (uncountable) Minor deviation of audio or video playback from its correct speed.

Example Sentences

A bad man, being under the drift of any passion, will follow the impulse of it till something interpose.

c. early 1700s, Joseph Addison, A Discourse on Ancient and Modern Learning He has made the drift of the whole poem a compliment on his country in general.

The Gods defenders of the innocent, Will neuer proſper your intended driftes, That thus oppreſſe poore friendles paſſengers.

Now thou knowest my drift.

Besides, you lack the brains to catch my drift. / If I explained you wouldn't understand.

Reference sync servo system — permits minimal time-base error, assuring minimum jitter and drift.

There is another form of drift when playing in a scene with other actors.

genetic drift

Synonyms for drift

Antonyms for drift

Related Words

Word Forms

• drifts
• drifting
• drifted

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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