careen

The story

1. Latincarīna
2. Italiancarena
3. Frenchcarène
4. English todaycareen

First attested in the late 16th century, from French carène (“keel”), from Italian carena, from Latin carīna (“keel of a ship”). Doublet of carene and carina.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from late 19th c. To tilt or lean while in motion.
• from at least early 20th c. To career, to move rapidly straight ahead, to rush carelessly.