pivot

/ˈpɪvət/
verb
  1. To turn or rotate on a central point.
    • The crane's arm can pivot 360 degrees to reach any part of the construction site.
    • She pivoted on her heel to face the other direction.
    • The fan pivots back and forth to cool the entire room.
  2. To change direction or strategy suddenly.
    • The politician pivoted to a different topic when asked a tough question.
    • When the original plan failed, the team pivoted to a new approach.
    • The company had to pivot from selling hardware to offering software services.
noun
  1. A central point or pin on which something turns or balances.
    • The seesaw's pivot is in the middle, allowing it to rock up and down.
    • The door swings on a metal pivot attached to the frame.
    • He replaced the broken pivot on the garden gate so it would open smoothly.
  2. A person or thing that is central and essential to something.
    • She is the pivot of the team, keeping everyone organized and motivated.
    • In the story, the lost key is the pivot that drives the entire plot.
    • The new policy became the pivot around which the company's strategy revolved.
  3. In basketball, a movement where a player keeps one foot planted and steps in any direction with the other foot.
    • He spun on his pivot foot and made a jump shot.
    • The player used a quick pivot to avoid the defender and pass the ball.
    • Learning how to pivot correctly is a basic skill in basketball.
Synonyms
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