Definition of the word drift off

The phrase "drift off" is a phrasal verb that describes the act of falling asleep gradually and effortlessly. The origins of this expression can be traced back to the Old English word "drifan," which meant "to carry or move along" or "to drive." Initially, the term "drift" meant the motion of winds, tides, or currents that carried objects or things along. This meaning of the word drift continued into the Middle English period, where it was used to describe the natural movement of sleep. In a wider sense, it was used to refer to the process of dreaming, where the mind wandered freely. During the 17th century, "drift off" became an idiomatic expression to describe the natural process of falling asleep by suggesting that one's mind (and body) slowly and quietly sails away. This analogy conveys the sense of tranquility and relaxation associated with the act of sleeping. Today, the expression "to drift off" is widely used in English, and its meaning remains consistent with its original connotation, although its architectural origins are largely forgotten.