oversteer

American  

[oh-ver-steer, oh-ver-steer] / ˈoʊ vərˌstɪər, ˌoʊ vərˈstɪər /

noun

1. handling of an automotive vehicle that causes turns that are sharper than the driver intends because the rear wheels slide to the outside of the turn before the front wheels lose traction.

---

verb (used without object)

1. (of an automotive vehicle) to undergo or handle with an oversteer, especially excessively.

oversteer British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈstɪə /

verb

1. (of a vehicle) to turn more sharply, for a particular turn of the steering wheel, than is desirable or anticipated

---

noun

1. the tendency of a vehicle to oversteer

Etymology

Origin of oversteer

First recorded in 1935–40; over- + steer ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oversteer

A snap of oversteer sent him even higher than the normal high line there, and he could not avoid the end of the barrier on the exit of the corner.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2025

Lewis Hamilton was sixth fastest, 0.306secs slower than team-mate Leclerc and appearing to struggle with rear-end stability on the evidence of several oversteer snaps that sent him into the run-off area at the chicane.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2025

"A little bit more oversteer in the high speed. Could have given it all to charity, you know?"

From BBC ● May 31, 2025

He ran on to the kerb at Degner One, twice had an oversteer moment at the hairpin, and then a big wobble out of the final chicane.

From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2025

Norris said: "I just had an oversteer and I went off. The car has been mint. I just messed it up. Not a good day for me."

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2023