shifting Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of moving from one place to another
   shift.
   
   • his constant shifting disrupted the class
2. verb make a shift in or exchange of; then we switched"
   shift; switch; change over.
   
   • First Joe led
3. verb change place or direction
   reposition; shift; dislodge.
   
   • Shift one's position
4. verb move around
   transfer; shift.
   
   • transfer the packet from his trouser pockets to a pocket in his jacket
5. verb move very slightly
   budge; shift; stir; agitate.
   
   • He shifted in his seat
6. verb move from one setting or context to another
   shift.
   
   • shift the emphasis
   • shift one's attention
7. verb change in quality
   shift.
   
   • His tone shifted
8. verb move and exchange for another
   shift.
   
   • shift the date for our class reunion
9. verb move sideways or in an unsteady way
   tilt; wobble; careen; shift.
   
   • The ship careened out of control
10. verb move abruptly
    shift; lurch; pitch.
    
    • The ship suddenly lurched to the left
11. verb use a shift key on a keyboard
    shift.
    
    • She could not shift so all her letters are written in lower case
12. verb change phonetically as part of a systematic historical change
    shift.
    
    • Grimm showed how the consonants shifted
13. verb change gears
    shift.
    
    • you have to shift when you go down a steep hill
14. verb lay aside, abandon, or leave for another
    shift; switch; change.
    
    • switch to a different brand of beer
    • She switched psychiatrists
    • The car changed lanes
15. adjective satellite continuously varying
    
    • taffeta with shifting colors
16. adjective satellite changing position or direction
    shifty.
    
    • he drifted into the shifting crowd
    • their nervous shifting glances
    • shifty winds
17. adjective satellite (of soil) unstable
    unfirm.
    
    • shifting sands
    • unfirm earth

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