Meaning & Definition of word "Steer"

Steer

/stɪər/

noun:

  • 1. a young male bovine animal, especially one that has been castrated.
    • Example: The farm raised a steer for beef production.
  • 2. a device used to control the direction of a vehicle.
    • Example: The driver adjusted the steer to avoid the obstacle in the road.

verb:

  • 1. to guide the movement or direction of something, especially a vehicle.
    • Example: He learned how to steer the boat through the narrow channel.
  • 2. to influence or control the course of events.
    • Example: She tried to steer the discussion towards more productive topics.

Etymology

Middle English steiren, from Old English styran; akin to Old Norse stýra to steer, Latin gubernare to direct

Common Phrases and Expressions

steer clear of:

To avoid someone or something.

steer the ship:

To take charge of a situation or organization.

steer someone in the right direction:

To help someone make the correct choice.

Related Words

navigator:

A person who navigates a ship or aircraft.

chauffeur:

A person employed to drive a passenger vehicle.

pilot:

A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.

Slang Meanings of steer

Meaning: To have control over a situation.

Example Sentence: He's really steering his career in the right direction.

Meaning: To influence someone's decisions.

Example Sentence: She knows how to steer her friends towards better options.