careen
UK: kəˈriːn | US: kəˈriːn
vt. to tilt or lean a ship on its side for cleaning, repairs, or maintenance
vi. to sway or tilt dangerously while moving; to lurch or stagger
The word "careen" originates from the Latin carina, meaning "keel of a ship." In nautical contexts, it referred to the process of tilting a ship to expose its keel for maintenance. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe any unsteady or swaying motion, such as a vehicle or person moving erratically. The evolution reflects a shift from a technical maritime term to a broader descriptive verb.
The sailors careened the vessel to repair its hull.
The truck careened down the icy road, narrowly avoiding a collision.
After the storm, the damaged boat careened helplessly in the waves.
The drunk man careened into the table, spilling his drink.
The skateboarder careened around the corner at high speed.