sheer

To sheer is to turn sharply or change direction quickly.

Example: The lion hoped that one of the deer would sheer off from the herd so he could catch it.

Sheer is total, complete, without anything to hold it back.

Example: When people heard the air raid siren they ran around in sheer panic.

Something that is sheer is very steep, almost vertical.

Example: They came to the edge of the cliff, with a sheer drop into the valley below.

Sheer material is so thin you can almost see through it.

Example: She wore her high heel shoes and her sheer silk stockings.