IPA: /ˈrʌdəˌpəʊst/
KK: /ˈrʌdərˌpoʊst/
A vertical post on a ship that supports the rudder and helps steer the vessel.
The captain checked the rudderpost to ensure it was secure before setting sail.
Rudderpost → The word is formed from "rudder" (from Old English *rōdder*, meaning a steering device) and "post" (from Latin *postis*, meaning a vertical support). A rudderpost is a vertical support that holds the rudder, which is used for steering a boat or ship.
Think of a 'steering device' ('rudder') being supported by a 'vertical support' ('post') — that's what a rudderpost does.
No commonly confused words.