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schlingern

to roll, to lurch (of a vehicle or ship)

verb SHLING-ern Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Origin: from Low German, related to 'schlingen'

Usage Note

schlingern describes the unsteady side-to-side rolling motion of a ship, vehicle or person, especially in rough conditions or when the driver loses control: das Auto schlingerte auf dem Glatteis (the car lurched on the black ice). It implies instability rather than speed.

Examples

"Die Fähre schlingerte stark in dem stürmischen Seegang."

Natural Translation

The ferry lurched heavily in the rough sea swell.

Literal Translation

The ferry lurched strongly in the stormy sea-swell.

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