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Definition shift in British English

shift verb

verb
/ʃɪft/
1

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

Example

Public opinion had shifted sharply to the left following the war.

Example

Most newspapers have shifted their ground considerably on this issue.

Example

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

Example

Britain's focus is shifting back towards its old partners in Europe.

Synonyms and related words
transition change make into transition change turn into
1.1

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

Example

She shifted smoothly into third gear as we went into the bend.

Synonyms and related words
back up belt up be on someone’s tail
1.2

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

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
2.1

to move an object from one place to another

Example

We'll need to shift this table over to the wall.

Synonyms and related words
budge propel guide
2.2

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

Example

The wall is shifting a couple of inches every year.

Synonyms and related words
rise shift erode
2.3

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 at look
3

to get rid of something

Example

None of the medicines I've taken have shifted this cold.

Example

There's still a stain on the carpet that I can't shift.

Synonyms and related words
replace throw away shed
3.1

to sell something

Example

The supermarkets shift more wine in a weekend than we do all year.

Synonyms and related words
disintermediate mis-sell upsell
4

to press the shift key on a computer keyboard

Synonyms and related words
backspace click click
5

to manage as best you can without help

Example

They can think on their feet and shift for themselves.

Definition shift in British English