Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition shift in American English

shift verb

verb
/ʃɪft/
1

to move your body or a part of your body slightly, for example because you are bored

Example

The children are shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

Example

Martha shifted her weight from foot to foot.

Synonyms and related words
balance bear yourself bend
1.1

if things such as land or buildings shift, or if something shifts them, they move slightly

Example

The wall is shifting a little bit every year.

Synonyms and related words
rise shift erode
1.2

to move your eyes in order to look at something else

Example

She stared at him, then shifted her gaze to the suitcase on the bed.

Synonyms and related words
look around look check on
2

if an idea, attitude, or plan shifts, or if someone shifts it, it changes

Example

Public opinion had shifted sharply following the war.

Example

The government has shifted its attention away from the fight against crime.

Example

Our focus is shifting back toward Asia.

Synonyms and related words
change transform make into transition change turn into
2.1

to make someone or something else responsible for something, especially when this is unfair

Example

They want to shift the blame for rising unemployment onto the recession.

Synonyms and related words
entrust saddle with shift
2.2

to change from one gear to another when you are driving a car

Example

She shifted smoothly into third gear.

Synonyms and related words
back up block in box in
3

to press the shift key on a computer keyboard

Synonyms and related words
backspace click click
4

to manage as best you can without help

Example

They can think on their feet and shift for themselves.

Definition shift in American English