verb

drift

to drift, to wander, to be carried along

The boat began to drift out to sea.

The boat began to drift out to sea.

My attention started to drift.

My attention started to drift.

Snow drifted against the fence.

Snow drifted against the fence.

((to drift)) ((adverbial phrase)) to be carried slowly by a current of air or water The boat began to drift out to sea.

Synonyms: float, wander, stray, meander

From Old Norse 'drift', meaning 'a snowdrift, something driven', related to the verb 'drive'.

Picture a log drifting down a river, being 'driven' by the current. The same idea applies to thoughts drifting in your mind.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.