wander
UK: ˈwɒndə | US: ˈwɑːndər
vi. to move around without a fixed purpose or destination
vi. (of the mind or thoughts) to lose focus or drift aimlessly
vi. (of a river, path, etc.) to follow a winding course
The word "wander" traces back to Old English wandrian, derived from windan ("to twist, turn"). This reflects the idea of meandering movement, whether physical (walking without direction) or metaphorical (a wandering mind). The core logic lies in the connection between twisting motion and aimless travel, preserved in modern usage.
She loves to wander through the forest, discovering hidden paths.
His thoughts began to wander during the long lecture.
The river wanders lazily across the valley.
Don’t let your focus wander while driving.
Tourists often wander the streets of the old town, admiring the architecture.