sheer off Definition

sheer²
noun

1. A deviation.
2. The fore-and-aft upward curve of a ship's deck or sides.

verb

sheered, sheering
1. To make something change course or deviate.

Etymology: 17c: partly another spelling of shear; perhaps partly from German or Dutch equivalent scheren to cut or withdraw.

Phrasal Verb: sheer off or away

To change course suddenly; to swerve or deviate.To move away, especially to evade someone or something disliked or feared.