CEFR C1

careen

verb

Meaning

To turn a ship on its side for cleaning or repair; or, more commonly, to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, often from side to side.

Examples

  • The old truck began to careen down the winding mountain road after its brakes failed.
  • Spectators watched in horror as the runaway shopping cart careened through the crowded market.

Synonyms: swerve, lurch, veer, zig-zag