To move or proceed without power from an engine, or more generally, to act carelessly without structure or constraint; to coast or drift.
From 'free' (unrestrained) + 'wheel' (rotating circular object). The mechanical sense originated in the late 1800s when bicycles and early automobiles used freewheel mechanisms allowing wheels to spin without engine power.
A freewheel mechanism was a brilliant bicycle innovation because it lets you coast downhill without pedaling—but it also changed cycling forever by making it safer and more efficient for everyday use.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.