əˈ- adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: a- (I) + drift, v.
1. : without motive power and without anchor or mooring : drifting
adrift for three days on the open ocean
cut the boat adrift
2. : without guidance or means of orientation
give to a people morally adrift a code and a belief — Elspeth Huxley
: without ties, relations, or security or without a fixed place in society
young men were adrift in a lawless society — Willa Cather
3. : in or into a state of being free from restraint or freed from fastenings or supports : loose
poorly secured barrels came adrift in the storm