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”
“a broad movement of the electorate to the right”
the pervading meaning or tenor
“caught the general drift of the conversation”
Synonymspurporta horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine
“they dug a drift parallel with the vein”
verb
be in motion due to some air or water current
“The leaves were blowing in the wind”
“the boat drifted on the lake”
wander from a direct course or at random
“The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her”
“don't drift from the set course”
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
“The gypsies roamed the woods”
“roving vagabonds”
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”
Synonymsfreewheelmove in an unhurried fashion
“The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests”
cause to be carried by a current
“drift the boats downstream”
drive slowly and far afield for grazing
“drift the cattle herds westwards”
be subject to fluctuation
“The stock market drifted upward”
be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current
“snow drifting several feet high”
“sand drifting like snow”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University