Meaning of 'drift'

noun

a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

Example: "they dug a drift parallel with the vein"

Synonyms: heading gallery

noun

the pervading meaning or tenor

Example: "caught the general drift of the conversation"

Synonyms: purport

noun

a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

Synonyms: movement

noun

a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

noun

a force that moves something along

Synonyms: impulsion

noun

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

noun

a process of linguistic change over a period of time

verb

be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

Example: "snow drifting several feet high"

verb

be subject to fluctuation

Example: "The stock market drifted upward"

verb

drive slowly and far afield for grazing

Example: "drift the cattle herds westwards"

verb

cause to be carried by a current

Example: "drift the boats downstream"

verb

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

Synonyms: cast

verb

be in motion due to some air or water current

Synonyms: blow

verb

move in an unhurried fashion

Example: "The unknown youth drifted among the invited guests."

verb

wander from a direct course or at random

Synonyms: stray

verb

live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

Example: "My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school"

Synonyms: freewheel

verb

vary or move from a fixed point or course

Example: "stock prices are drifting higher"