tilt

To move into a position where one side is higher than the other.

• The boat began to tilt.
• She tilted her head to one side.
• Can you tilt the screen forward?

How to use it: tilt to one side (The table tilted to one side.); tilt something back/forward (She tilted her head back.)

Similar words: lean, tip, slant

Common phrases: tilt your head, tilt to something, tilt something back, tilt something forward

To shape heated metal using a heavy hammer that moves up and down around a fixed point.

• The workers tilt heated steel.
• The smith tilted the iron into a thinner bar.
• This workshop once tilted metal using water power.

Similar words: forge

Common phrases: tilt steel, tilt iron

A position or movement in which one side of something is higher than the other.

• The table has a slight tilt.
• She answered with a tilt of her head.
• Adjust the screen’s tilt until you can see clearly.

How to use it: a tilt of something (A tilt of his head showed that he was listening.)

Similar words: slant, inclination

Common phrases: slight tilt, tilt of something, forward tilt

An attempt to achieve something difficult, often against strong competition.

• She made a tilt at the title.
• He is planning another tilt at public office.
• Their latest tilt at the championship ended in defeat.

How to use it: a tilt at something (The team made a final tilt at the league title.)

Similar words: attempt, bid

Common phrases: tilt at something, another tilt, title tilt

A frustrated state after losing games, making you play worse or take foolish risks.

• He went on tilt after losing.
• Taking a break helped her avoid tilt.
• A player on tilt may make expensive mistakes.

How to use it: go on tilt (She went on tilt after three unlucky hands.); be on tilt (He was on tilt and kept making reckless bets.)

Common phrases: on tilt, go on tilt, avoid tilt