freewheel
UK[ˌfriːˈwiːl]US[ˌfriːˈwiːl]
v
to ride a bicycle without pedalling, especially downhill.
v
to live or behave in a free and relaxed way, without worrying about rules or the future.
Morpheme Breakdown
free
wheel
free
wheel
a circular frame or disc that revolves on an axle
Etymology
the compound 'freewheel' is a modern english formation, combining the old english adjective 'free' with the old english noun 'wheel'. it originally referred to a bicycle mechanism that allows the rear wheel to continue turning independently of the pedals when the rider stops pedalling, thus giving the wheel a sense of 'freedom'. this mechanical sense was then metaphorically extended to describe a carefree, unconstrained mode of living or action, where one moves forward without active effort or planning.
Analysis
Structure: free + wheel
free (old english, meaning 'not in bondage, acting of one's own will'); wheel (old english, meaning 'a circular frame or disc that revolves on an axle')
Examples
he coasted down the hill, choosing to freewheel and enjoy the breeze.
after graduating, she decided to freewheel for a year, traveling without a fixed itinerary.
the discussion began to freewheel, moving from topic to topic without any formal agenda.