drift

live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely

“My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school”

a process of linguistic change over a period of time

be piled up in banks or heaps by the force of wind or a current

“snow drifting several feet high”

be subject to fluctuation

“The stock market drifted upward”

cause to be carried by a current

“drift the boats downstream”

drive slowly and far afield for grazing

“drift the cattle herds westwards”

move in an unhurried fashion

“The unknown young man drifted among the invited guests”

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

vary or move from a fixed point or course

“stock prices are drifting higher”

the pervading meaning or tenor

“caught the general drift of the conversation”

be in motion due to some air or water current

“the boat drifted on the lake”