a force that moves something along
the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
a process of linguistic change over a period of time
a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents
a general tendency to change (as of opinion); not openly liberal but that is the trend of the book; a broad movement of the electorate to the right
the pervading meaning or tenor; caught the general drift of the conversation
[ Syn: purport ]
a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine; they dug a drift parallel with the vein
drift (n.)
be in motion due to some air or water current; The leaves were blowing in the wind; the boat drifted on the lake; The sailboat was adrift on the open sea; the shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore
be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current; snow drifting several feet high; sand drifting like snow'
wander from a direct course or at random; The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her; dont drift from the set course
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment; The gypsies roamed the woods; roving vagabonds; the wandering Jew; The cattle roam across the prairie; the laborers drift from one town to the next; They rolled from town to town
[ Syn: roll , wander , swan , stray , tramp , roam , cast , ramble , rove , range , vagabond ]
vary or move from a fixed point or course; stock prices are drifting higher'
live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely; My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school
[ Syn: freewheel ]
move in an unhurried fashion; The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests'
cause to be carried by a current; drift the boats downstream'
drive slowly and far afield for grazing; drift the cattle herds westwards'
be subject to fluctuation; The stock market drifted upward'