steer — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   The boat steered towards the iceberg.

   I steered homeward.

2. To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   I find it very difficult to steer a skateboard.

   When planning the boat trip, we had completely forgotten that we needed somebody to steer.

   More examples (1)

   I leap on board: no helmsman steers: I float till all is dark.

3. To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   The boat steers easily.

   Where the wind / Veers oft, as oft [a ship] so steers, and shifts her sail.

4. To direct a group of animals.

   Usage

   • Transitive

5. To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Hume believes that principles of association steer the imagination of artists.

6. To conduct oneself; to take or pursue a course of action.

   Usage

   • Reflexive

7. To direct a conversation.

   Usage

   • Transitive

8. To direct or send an object into a specific place

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Sterling, who scored the winners against Croatia and the Czech Republic in the group stage, steered in Luke Shaw's cross after 75 minutes to send England's fans, with more than 40,000 inside Wembley, into wild celebrations.

Noun

1. A suggestion about a course of action.

   Usage

   • Informal

   Examples

   I tried to give you the steer, but I guess I didn't get it over. Everybody knew it but you.

2. A helmsman; a pilot.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

Noun

1. The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production.

   Synonyms

   ox

   Broader terms

   cattle

   Narrower terms

   stirkbullock

   Examples

   He counted the cattle over and over. It diverted him to speculate as to how much weight each of the steers would probably put on by spring.

Verb

1. To castrate (a male calf).

   Usage

   • Transitive

Noun

1. an indication of potential opportunity

   Synonyms

   tipleadconfidential informationwindhint

   Broader terms

   guidancecounselcounselingcounsellingdirection

   Examples

   he got a tip on the stock market

   a good lead for a job

2. castrated bull

   Synonyms

   bullock

   Broader terms

   cattlecowskineoxenBos taurusmale

Verb

1. direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

   Synonyms

   maneuvermanoeuvermanoeuvredirectpointheadguidechannelizechannelise

   Broader terms

   controlcommand

2. direct (oneself) somewhere

   Broader terms

   controlcommand

   Examples

   Steer clear of him

3. be a guiding or motivating force or drive

   Synonyms

   guide

   Broader terms

   direct

   Examples

   The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses