steer1
- to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.: to steer a bicycle.
- to follow or pursue (a particular course).
- to direct the course of; guide: I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.
- to direct the course of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or the like, by the use of a rudder or other means.
- to pursue a course of action.
- (of a vessel, vehicle, airplane, etc.) to be steered or guided in a particular direction or manner.
- Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip: He got a good steer about finding the right job.
- steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid: She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.
Origin of steer1
steer2
- a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, especially one raised for beef.
Origin of steer2
steer3
Examples from the Web for steer
Contemporary Examples
And Epstein continues to steer money toward universities to advance scientific research.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen HawkingM.L. Nestel
January 8, 2015
This is the Mexico that U.S. college students would be wise to steer clear of on spring break.
A successful trend-maker might be able to steer a conversation, but virality remains extremely difficult to predict.
In first person, Grand Theft Auto lets you be the kind of criminal you want to be, rather than just steer one.
I Felt Like Showering After the First-Person Sex in ‘Grand Theft Auto’Alec Kubas-Meyer
November 22, 2014
I have just been the man in the middle, trying to make sure that we steer the right course.
Dan Malloy Is Progressives’ Dream Governor. So Why Isn’t He Winning?David Freedlander
October 30, 2014
Historical Examples
Peart and cunnin', but a heap too wise fur you, son; take my steer on that.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Garmer tried to steer me off this line of stocks the other night.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
I was tired of trying to steer a course for myself, with no compass to go by.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
Taking Misargyrides' arm and attempting to steer him off-stage.
The Dramatic Values in PlautusWilton Wallace Blancke
Well, I'll tell you somethin'—will you put down a good bet if I steer you straight?
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
steer1
- to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc
- (tr) to guide with tuitionhis teachers steered him through his exams
- (tr) to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, etc)
- to pursue (a specified course)
- (intr) (of a vessel, vehicle, etc) to admit of being guided in a specified fashionthis boat does not steer properly
- steer clear of to keep away from; shun
- mainly US information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer)
Word Origin
steer2
- a castrated male ox or bull; bullock
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for steer
v.
"guide the course of a vehicle," Old English steran (Mercian), stieran (West Saxon), from Proto-Germanic *steurijanan (cf. Old Norse styra, Old Frisian stiora, Dutch sturen, Old High German stiuren, German steuern "to steer," Gothic stiurjan "to establish, assert"), related to *steuro "a rudder, a steering" (cf. Old English steor "helm, rudder," German Steuer and first element in starboard), from PIE *steu-ro- (cf. Greek stauros "stake, pole"), from root *sta- "to stand" (see stet).
The notion is of a stiff, upright pillar or post used in steering. To steer clear of in the figurative sense of "to avoid completely" is recorded from 1723. Related: Steered; steering. Steering committee in the U.S. political sense is recorded from 1887.
n.
"young ox," Old English steor "bullock," from Proto-Germanic *steuraz (cf. Old Saxon stior, Old Norse stjorr, Swedish tjur, Danish tyr, Middle Dutch, Dutch, German stier, Gothic stiur "bull"), perhaps from PIE *steu-ro-, a root denoting "strength, sturdiness" (see taurus).
Idioms and Phrases with steer
steer
In addition to the idiom beginning with steer
- steer clear of
also see:
- bum steer