Careen

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/kəˈriːn/

Definitions

• 1. To tilt or lean over, especially while moving, as in a vehicle or a ship.
• 2. To rush forward in an uncontrolled or reckless manner.
• 3. (Nautical) To clean or repair the hull of a ship by tilting it on its side.

Usage Examples

• The car careened around the corner, narrowly missing the lamppost.
• The ship had to careen to clean its bottom after months at sea.
• He careened down the hill, laughing all the way.

Etymology

The word "careen" comes from the late Middle English "carene," derived from the Old French "carène" (meaning keel or hull of a ship), which in turn comes from the Latin "carina" (meaning the keel of a ship). The word originally referred to tilting a ship for cleaning or repair, but by the late 19th century, its meaning broadened to include any uncontrolled or reckless tilting or movement.

Synonyms

• Swerve
• Lurch
• Careering
• Tip
• Reel

Antonyms

• Steady
• Stable
• Control
• Balance

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /kəˈriːn/
• British English: /kəˈriːn/
• Australian English: /kəˈriːn/

Historical Usage

The word "careen" originally referred to the process of tilting a ship on its side to clean or repair the hull, a common practice in maritime history. The word later evolved to encompass any type of reckless or uncontrolled motion, often used in reference to vehicles swerving or leaning over. Its association with reckless movement became popularized in the 19th century and has remained in use for such contexts.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "careen" in modern language often evokes a sense of danger or excitement, particularly when describing fast-moving vehicles or chaotic situations. It can be used metaphorically to describe situations in which something or someone is out of control or is proceeding in an unpredictable manner. In nautical culture, careening was a crucial aspect of ship maintenance, highlighting the importance of the term in maritime history.

More Information

Careening is still used in modern maritime practices, albeit less frequently due to the availability of dry-docking facilities. In contemporary usage, the term is more commonly associated with vehicles that "careen" down streets or roads, often in a dangerous or wild manner. The idea of careening often implies that the object or individual is moving without full control, emphasizing the unpredictability of such motion. The term has also been adopted in figurative language to describe situations in which events or actions move in an erratic or uncontrollable way.