To change direction suddenly or veer sharply from a straight course. Can also refer to deviating from a path, plan, or principle.
From Old English 'sweorfan' meaning 'to turn aside' or 'to file away,' related to Middle Low German 'swerven.' The modern sense of sudden directional change developed in the 14th century.
Swerve has become a popular slang term meaning to avoid or dodge someone deliberately, as in 'I'm going to swerve that party.' This modern usage cleverly extends the physical meaning of changing direction to social situations.
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