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pitch around

C1 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To move up and down or side to side roughly, like a boat in a storm.

Literal meaning: To pitch (rock/tilt) in all directions — 'pitch' here refers to the nautical motion of a vessel's bow moving up and down.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

To rock or move violently in various directions, as a boat does in rough seas.

"The small fishing boat pitched around violently as the storm intensified."

Usage notes

Primarily used in nautical or aviation contexts to describe an unstable, rocking motion caused by rough conditions. Relatively uncommon; more specific than 'toss around'. Can occasionally apply to a person being physically jostled.

Commonly used with

boat ship aircraft waves turbulence storm

Forms

Base
pitch around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pitches around
he/she/it
Past simple
pitched around
yesterday
Past participle
pitched around
have + pp
-ing form
pitching around
continuous

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Synonyms

toss around rock roll lurch heave buffet

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