Deviate
To depart from an established course, path, or norm; to differ from what is expected or planned.
verbDeviate
To depart from an established course, path, or norm; to differ from what is expected or planned.
verbImagine This
Imagine a well-marked hiking trail. A group follows the map, but one hiker notices a hidden side trail and veers off instead of continuing. The rest stay on course, while she deviates to explore a hidden waterfall.
Sounds Like
DEE-vee-ATE
Looks Like
Looks like 'deviation' or 'deviant' (similar root and spelling).
Remember This
Deviate is closely related to deviation (noun) and deviant (adjective). It often appears in contexts about plans, norms, and data.
Other Forms
Connect With
diverge, depart, veer, stray, digress, alter course
Note
Use with from or away from a standard (deviate from the plan). Do not use 'deviate to' in standard English.