v. ca·reened, ca·reen·ing, ca·reens v.intr. 1. a. To lurch or swerve while in motion: "The Tasmanian boat was a wreck ... the stove had broken free of its mounting and was careening about with every wave" (Bryan Burrough). b. To move forward rapidly, especially with a swaying motion or with minimal control; career: "I saw my life as a car with no brakes careening down a dangerous mountain road" (Tom Perotta). 2. Nautical a. To lean to one side, as a ship sailing in the wind. b. To turn a ship on its side for cleaning, caulking, or repairing. v.tr. Nautical 1. To cause (a ship) to lean to one side; tilt. 2. a. To lean (a ship) on one side for cleaning, caulking, or repairing. b. To clean, caulk, or repair (a ship in this position). n. Nautical 1. The act or process of careening a ship. 2. The position of a careened ship. [From French (en) carène, (on) the keel, from Old French carene, from Old Italian carena, from Latin carīna; see kar- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ca·reener n. |
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