drift

Sense 1 noun

a force that moves something along

Sense 2 verb

be in motion due to some air or water current

The leaves were blowing in the wind

Sense 3 noun

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

Sense 4 verb

wander from a direct course or at random

The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her

Sense 5 noun

a process of linguistic change over a period of time

Sense 6 verb

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

The gypsies roamed the woods

Sense 7 noun

a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

Sense 8 verb

vary or move from a fixed point or course

stock prices are drifting higher

Sense 9 noun

a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

not openly liberal but that is the trend of the book

Sense 10 verb

live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school

Sense 11 noun

the pervading meaning or tenor

caught the general drift of the conversation

Sense 12 verb

move in an unhurried fashion

The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests

Sense 13 noun

a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

they dug a drift parallel with the vein

Sense 14 verb

cause to be carried by a current

drift the boats downstream

Sense 15 verb

drive slowly and far afield for grazing

drift the cattle herds westwards

Sense 16 verb

be subject to fluctuation

The stock market drifted upward

Sense 17 verb

be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

snow drifting several feet high