Main Entry: ²steer

Function: verb

Etymology: 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

Date: 12th century

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>

synonyms see guide

— 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>