steer

²steer

verb

Definition of STEER

transitive verb

1

: to control the course of : direct; especially : to guide by mechanical means (as a rudder)

2

: to set and hold to (a course)

intransitive verb

1

: to direct the course (as of a ship or automobile)

2

: to pursue a course of action

3

: to be subject to steering <the car steers well>

— steer·able \ˈstir-ə-bəl\ adjective

— steer·er noun

— steer clear

: to keep entirely away —often used with of <tries to steer clear of debt>

Examples of STEER

1. She steered the ship through the strait.
2. He steered his car carefully into the parking space.
3. He steered the wheelchair through the aisles.
4. Skillful navigators can steer by the positions of the stars.
5. The car was steering right at us.
6. The boat steered out to sea.
7. He tried to steer the conversation away from his recent problems.
8. She skillfully steered the bill through the legislature.
9. He steered the team to another championship last year.
10. The high recent returns on stocks have steered many investors away from bonds.

Origin of STEER

Middle English steren, from Old English stīeran; akin to Old English stēor- steering oar, Greek stauros stake, cross, stylos pillar, Sanskrit sthavira, sthūra stout, thick

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to STEER

Synonyms: conduct, direct, guide, marshal (also marshall), pilot, route, show, lead, usher

Antonyms: follow, trail

Related Words: precede; accompany, attend, chaperone (or chaperon), convoy, escort, see; control, manage

Near Antonyms: dog, hound, shadow, tail, tailgate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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