Dictionary definition · drift
noun
- a force that moves something along
- the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
- a process of linguistic change over a period of time
- a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents
- a general tendency to change (as of opinion)"not openly liberal but that is the trend of the book"
- the pervading meaning or tenor"caught the general drift of the conversation"
verb
- be in motion due to some air or water current"The leaves were blowing in the wind"
- wander from a direct course or at random"The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her"
- move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment"The gypsies roamed the woods"
- vary or move from a fixed point or course"stock prices are drifting higher"
- live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely"My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school"
- move in an unhurried fashion"The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).