steer

¹ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc..

   to steer a bicycle.

2. to follow or pursue (a particular course).

3. to direct the course of; guide.

   I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.

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verb (used without object)

1. to direct the course of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or the like, by the use of a rudder or other means.

2. to pursue a course of action.

3. (of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, etc.) to be steered or guided in a particular direction or manner.

noun

1. Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip.

   He got a good steer about finding the right job.

idioms

1. steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid.

   She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.

steer ² American  

[steer] / stɪər /

noun

plural

steers,

plural

steer

1. a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.

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steer ³ American  

[steer] / stɪər /

verb (used with or without object)

British Dialect.

1. stir.

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steer ¹ British  

/ stɪə /

verb

1. to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc

2. (tr) to guide with tuition

   his teachers steered him through his exams

3. (tr) to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, etc)

4. to pursue (a specified course)

5. (intr) (of a vessel, vehicle, etc) to admit of being guided in a specified fashion

   this boat does not steer properly

6. to keep away from; shun

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noun

1. information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer )

steer ² British  

/ stɪə /

noun

1. a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

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steer More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing steer

• bum steer

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Other Word Forms

• steerability noun
• steerable adjective
• steerer noun
• unsteerable adjective

Etymology

Origin of steer¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English steren, stere, stieren, Old English stēoran, stēran, stíoran, stýran, akin to stēor, stýr “steering, guidance”; cognate with German steuern, Old Norse stȳra, Gothic stiurjan

Origin of steer²

First recorded before 900; Middle English ster(e), Old English stēor “young bull or ox,” cognate with Dutch, German Stier, Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur

Example Sentences

To his critics, he was a ruthless autocrat who steered the nation on a path of societal and economic isolation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Iranian state media acknowledged his death late Saturday; Khamenei had led the Islamic Republic since 1989, centralizing religious and political power and steering Iran into prolonged confrontation with both Israel and the United States.

From Salon

With the sport steering in a more candid direction, Wolff says "the teams have realised it's more than just about the racing, it's the drama off track, the personalities off track".

From BBC

“It was a missed opportunity for us,” says Schulman, who has been steering a turnaround at Burberry.

From The Wall Street Journal

Each wants to steer the conversation on what responsible AI will mean.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drive
• escort
• govern
• herd
• shepherd