heave to
The phrase "heave to" is a nautical maneuver used to stop a sailing vessel by adjusting its sails and rudder to face the wind.
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Definition
C1Sailing
(technical)To stop a sailing vessel by adjusting the sails and rudder so that it faces into the wind.
Example
- In heavy weather, the captain decided to heave to and wait for better conditions.
B2Nautical
(technical)To bring a ship to a halt.
Example
- The order was given to heave to and wait for further instructions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "heave to":
haul uphaul offhaul inhold tohaul outstrike sailhang tenmoor up