guide

Etymology 1

c. 1325–75. From Middle English guide, from the Old French guide, from Old Occitan guida, from guidar, from Frankish *wītan (“to show the way, lead”), from Proto-Germanic *wītaną (“to see, know; go, depart”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to see, know”). Cognate with Old English wītan (“to see, take heed to, watch after, guard, keep”). Related also to English wit.

noun

1. Someone who guides, especially someone hired to show people around a place or an institution and offer information and explanation, or to lead them through dangerous terrain.
   The guide led us around the museum and explained the exhibits.
2. A document or book that offers information or instruction; guidebook.
3. A sign that guides people; guidepost.
4. Any marking or object that catches the eye to provide quick reference.
5. A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
   1. A blade or channel for directing the flow of water to the buckets in a water wheel.
   2. A grooved director for a probe or knife in surgery.
   3. (printing, dated) A strip or device to direct the compositor's eye to the line of copy being set.
6. (occult) A spirit believed to speak through a medium.
   The familiars of the magicians, on the other hand, were not in all cases evil, and often may have approximated the "guides" with whom present-day spiritualists are well acquainted. 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 75
7. (military) A member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.

Etymology 2

From Middle English guiden, from Old French guider, from Old Occitan guidar, from Frankish *wītan (“to show the way, lead”), from Proto-Germanic *wītaną (“to see, know; go, depart”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“to see, know”).

verb

1. to serve as a guide for someone or something; to lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path.
   Kolyat: I brought a prayer book, Commander. Would you care to join me? Kolyat: Kalahira, this one's heart is pure, but beset by wickedness and contention. Shepard: Guide this one to where the traveler never tires, the lover never leaves, the hungry never starve. Shepard: Guide this one, Kalahira, and she will be a companion to you as she was to me. 2012, BioWare, Mass Effect 3 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Citadel
2. to steer or navigate, especially a ship or as a pilot.
3. to exert control or influence over someone or something.
4. to supervise the education or training of someone.
5. (intransitive) to act as a guide.