n the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
n a process of linguistic change over a period of time
n a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents
n a general tendency to change (as of opinion)
n the pervading meaning or tenor
caught the general drift of the conversation
n a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine
they dug a drift parallel with the vein
v be in motion due to some air or water current
the boat drifted on the lake The sailboat was adrift on the open sea the shipwrecked boat drifted away from the shore
v wander from a direct course or at random
don't drift from the set course
v move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
the laborers drift from one town to the next
v vary or move from a fixed point or course
stock prices are drifting higher
v live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely
My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school
v move in an unhurried fashion
The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests
v cause to be carried by a current
drift the boats downstream
v drive slowly and far afield for grazing
drift the cattle herds westwards
v be subject to fluctuation
The stock market drifted upward
v be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current
snow drifting several feet high sand drifting like snow