Guides or directs the course of something, like steering a boat; or plural of steer, which is a castrated bull raised for meat.
From Old English 'steoran' meaning 'to steer or direct,' possibly related to the word 'star' (as in steering by stars). The noun 'steer' for a castrated bull is separate, from Old English 'steor' or 'stiore.'
The verb 'steer' and the noun 'steer' (cattle) have completely different origins, yet they're spelled the same—and English speakers often don't notice because context makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.