digress Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking
divagate; wander; stray.
- She always digresses when telling a story
- her mind wanders
- Don't digress when you give a lecture
verb wander from a direct or straight course
straggle; depart; sidetrack.

L. digressus, p. p. of digredi to go apart, to deviate; di- = dis- + gradi to step, walk. See Grade.

imperfect & past participle Digressed ; present participle & verbal noun Digressing

To step or turn aside; to deviate; to swerve; especially, to turn aside from the main subject of attention, or course of argument, in writing or speaking.
Moreover she beginneth to digress in latitude. Holland.

In the pursuit of an argument there is hardly room to digress into a particular definition as often as a man varies the signification of any term. Locke.
To turn aside from the right path; to transgress; to offend. R.
Thy abundant goodness shall excuse This deadly blot on thy digressing son. Shak.