deviate

UK: ˈdiːvieɪt | US: ˈdiːvieɪt

Definition
  1. vi. to depart from an established course, norm, or standard

  2. vt. to cause to turn aside or differ

Structure
de <away>via <path>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

deviate = de<away> + via<path> + ate<verb suffix>

  • de (Latin prefix): "away, off"
  • via (Latin root): "path, road"
  • ate (verb-forming suffix): indicates action or process

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin deviare ("to turn out of the way"), combining de- (off) + via (road). The word originally described literal divergence from a physical path, later expanding metaphorically to include abstract deviations (e.g., from rules or norms). The root via persists in English words like "viaduct" and "trivia" (originally "three roads," a place of idle chatter).

Examples
  1. The hiker chose to deviate from the marked trail.

  2. The project deviated significantly from its original plan.

  3. His opinions rarely deviate from mainstream views.

  4. The river deviates eastward near the mountains.

  5. Strict protocols prevent experiments from deviating.