This is the 915th most frequent Estonian word.
pöörata
To turn; to rotate; to change direction.
The word 'pöörata' is used here to mean 'to turn' a direction while moving.
Ma pean sellel ristmikul vasakule pöörata.
I have to turn left at this intersection.
Here, 'pöörata' is used metaphorically to describe a sudden change in the trajectory of events.
Loodusõnnetuse korral võib sündmuste käik ootamatult pöörata.
In the case of a natural disaster, the course of events can suddenly turn unpredictable.
In this context, 'pöörata' takes a figurative meaning of 'to turn' as in to redirect or alter thoughts or focus.