Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
heave-to
verb
/ˈhiːv tuː/
Definition
To bring a ship to a stop by adjusting its sails and heading, so that it maintains a stationary position in the water.
Examples
- When the storm hit, the captain ordered the crew to heave-to until it passed.
- We decided to heave-to for a while to enjoy the sunset without any rushing.
Meaning
The term ‘heave-to’ refers to a sailing maneuver that allows a boat to stop or drift slowly, typically used in rough weather or to wait for favorable conditions.
Synonyms
- stop
- drift
- anchor
