oversteer
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊ.vərˌstɪr/
KK: /ˈoʊvərˌstɪr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To turn a vehicle too sharply, causing it to lose traction and slide sideways.
Example
When driving too fast around the corner, the car began to oversteer and skid off the road.
Tense Forms
Past: oversteered
Past Participle: oversteered
Conversation
I was driving yesterday, and I really thought I might oversteer on that turn.
Oh no! That sounds scary. Did you manage to keep control?
Yeah, but it was a close call; I didn't expect the car to turn that sharply.
That's definitely a lesson learned — always be careful with those tight curves!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
yaw
swerve
spin
Antonyms
understeer
straighten
stabilize
noun
Definition
A situation where a vehicle turns more sharply than intended, often causing the back end to slide out.
Example
The driver lost control due to oversteer while taking the corner too fast.
Conversation
I heard that you had some trouble with your car last weekend.
Yeah, I think I experienced a bit of oversteer while turning.
That sounds scary! Was it hard to control the car?
Root Explanation
Oversteer → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "steer" (from Old English "styran", meaning to guide or control). The word describes a situation where a vehicle turns more than intended, indicating excessive steering.
Memory Tip
Think of steering a vehicle 'excessively' — 'over-' means too much, and 'steer' means to guide. This helps you remember that oversteer refers to turning too much while driving.
Visually Confused Words
vester
vestee
verser
suboverseer