English Dictionary

Definition of “steer”

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^¹steer¹ (stɪə)

Definitions

verb

to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel, rudder, etc
(tr) to guide with tuition ⇒ his 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 fashion ⇒ this boat does not steer properly
See steer clear of

noun

mainly US information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer)

Alternative Forms

ˈsteerable adjective ˈsteerer noun

Word Origin

Old English stieran; related to Old Frisian stiūra, Old Norse stӯra, German stevern; see starboard, stern²

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= drive, control, direct, handle, conduct, pilot, govern, be in the driver's seat

= direct, lead, guide, conduct, escort, usher, show in or out

^²steer² (stɪə)

Definitions

noun

a castrated male ox or bull; bullock

Word Origin

Old English stēor; related to Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur, Old High German stior, Middle Dutch stēr

Usage examples

She fought against the infectious panic and gripped Bethan's arm firmly to steer her back into the kitchen.
Thomas, Rosie, The White Dove (1986)
The plan is yours and will put you in control of your own development, with the opportunity to monitor and steer your career.
British Medical Journal (2002)
An investor with this goal would probably steer clear of trusts in cyclical, trendy or competitive businesses.
Globe and Mail (2003)
In 1998, the Labour government, supported by the Tory front bench, tried to steer through the necessary legislation.
Glasgow Herald (2001)
You'd be well advised to steer clear of taking advice from other women round here, Caroline.
Townsend, Eileen, Dreamtime (1993)

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