/swerrv/ , v. , swerved, swerving , n.
v.i.
1. to turn aside abruptly in movement or direction; deviate suddenly from the straight or direct course.
v.t.
2. to cause to turn aside: Nothing could swerve him.
n.
3. an act of swerving; turning aside.
[ 1175-1225; ME swerven (v.); OE sweorfan to rub, file; c. D zwerven to rove, OHG swerban, ON sverfa to file, Goth afswairban to wipe off ]
Syn. 1. See deviate .