steer

In defining steer, I would steer clear of complicated examples and just say: to steer is to control which direction one is going.

Everyone who owns a car has learned to point his car in the right direction using the steering wheel. It's a bad idea to let your five year-old steer; you might end up in a sandbox. But the use of steer doesn't need to be limited to wheels and handle bars. If you have a friend torn between whether or not to go to college, you can help steer her towards the right decision. The President's job is "to steer the Ship of State."

Primary Meanings of steer

1.
 vn
be a guiding or motivating force or drive
an indication of potential opportunity
2.
 n
castrated bull
Full Definitions of steer
1

v be a guiding or motivating force or drive

“The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses”
Synonyms:
guide
Type of:
direct
be in charge of

v direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

Synonyms:
channelise, channelize, direct, guide, head, maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvre, point
Types:
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dock
maneuver into a dock
sheer
cause to sheer
pull over
steer a vehicle to the side of the road
helm
be at or take the helm of
crab
direct (an aircraft) into a crosswind
navigate
direct carefully and safely
stand out
steer away from shore, of ships
starboard
turn to the right, of helms or rudders
conn
conduct or direct the steering of a ship or plane
navigate, pilot
act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance
canalise, canalize, channel
direct the flow of
corner, tree
force a person or an animal into a position from which he cannot escape
park
maneuver a vehicle into a parking space
dry-dock, drydock
maneuver (a ship) into a drydock
astrogate
guide in interplanetary travel
angle-park
park at an angle
parallel-park
park directly behind another vehicle
double-park
park a vehicle alongside another
Type of:
command, control
exercise authoritative control or power over

v direct (oneself) somewhere

“Steer clear of him”
Type of:
command, control
exercise authoritative control or power over

n an indication of potential opportunity

Synonyms:
confidential information, hint, lead, tip, wind
Type of:
counsel, counseling, counselling, direction, guidance
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
2

n castrated bull

Synonyms:
bullock
Type of:
male
an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
Bos taurus, cattle, cows, kine, oxen
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

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