dévier

Definition & meaning

Dévier means to move or cause something to move away from a path, direction, or expected course.

• To veer, deviate, or stray: to move away from a route, direction, rule, or subject.
• To deflect or divert: to make something change direction, such as a moving object or a conversation.
• Figuratively, to depart from a norm or plan: for example, when behavior or events take an unexpected course.

Grammar & Word origin

Dévier is a regular French verb in -er. It can be used intransitively (“to veer”) or transitively (“to deflect” or “to divert”). Its past participle is dévié, and it takes avoir in compound tenses.

It comes from Latin deviare, formed from de- (“away from”) and via (“way, road”). The French element voie ↗ is related in meaning.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• s’écarter ↗ — to move away from a path or standard; often emphasizes separation from it.
• diverger ↗ — to differ or move in different directions; often used for opinions, lines, or trends.
• se détourner [?](vocabuo://word/se détourner) — to turn away from something; can emphasize a deliberate change of attention or direction.
• détourner ↗ — to divert or redirect something; typically used transitively.

Antonyms

• suivre ↗ — to follow a route, direction, or course rather than depart from it.
• rester sur [?](vocabuo://word/rester sur) — to stay on a path or within a given subject or course.
• maintenir ↗ — to keep something on its existing course or direction.

Common phrases & collocations

• dévier de sa trajectoire [?](vocabuo://word/dévier de sa trajectoire) — to veer off course.
• dévier une conversation [?](vocabuo://word/dévier une conversation) — to steer a conversation away from its topic.
• dévier un projectile [?](vocabuo://word/dévier un projectile) — to deflect a projectile.
• dévier de la règle [?](vocabuo://word/dévier de la règle) — to depart from the rule.