steer1

 
Pronunciation: /stɪə/

verb

[with object]
  • guide or control the movement of (a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft), for example by turning a wheel or operating a rudder: he steered the boat slowly towards the busy quay [no object]: he let Lily steer
  • [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft) be guided in a specified direction: the ship steered into port
  • [with object and adverbial of direction] follow (a course) in a specified direction: the fishermen were steering a direct course for Koepang
  • [with object and adverbial of direction] guide the movement or course of: he had steered her to a chair figurative he made an attempt to steer the conversation back to Heather

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the type of steering of a vehicle: some cars boast four-wheel steer
  • 2 informal a piece of advice or information concerning the development of a situation: the need for the NHS to be given a clear steer as to its future direction

Phrases

steer clear of

take care to avoid or keep away from: steer clear of fatty food

steer a middle course

see middle.

Derivatives

steerable

adjective

Origin:

Old English stīeran, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch sturen and German steuern