Dictionary entry

Deviate

Webster's Dictionary 1913

De″vi‐ate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Deviated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Deviating (?).] [L. deviare to deviate; de + viare to go, travel, via way. See Viaduct.] To go out of the way; to turn aside from a course or a method; to stray or go astray; to err; to digress; to diverge; to vary.

Thus Pegasus, a nearer way to take,

May boldly deviate from the common track. Pope.

Syn. — To swerve; stray; wander; digress; depart; deflect; err.