51Թ

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View synonyms for

govern

[ guhv-ern ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to rule over by right of authority:

    to govern a nation.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  2. to exercise a directing or restraining influence over; guide:

    the motives governing a decision.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

  3. to hold in check; control:

    to govern one's temper.

  4. to serve as or constitute a law for:

    the principles governing a case.

  5. Grammar. to be regularly accompanied by or require the use of (a particular form). In They helped us, the verb helped governs the objective case of the pronoun we.
  6. to regulate the speed of (an engine) with a governor.


verb (used without object)

  1. to exercise the function of government.
  2. to have predominating influence.

govern

/ ˈɡʌə /

verb

  1. also intr to direct and control the actions, affairs, policies, functions, etc, of (a political unit, organization, nation, etc); rule
  2. to exercise restraint over; regulate or direct

    to govern one's temper

  3. to be a predominant influence on (something); decide or determine (something)

    his injury governed his decision to avoid sports

  4. to control the speed of (an engine, machine, etc) using a governor
  5. to control the rate of flow of (a fluid) by using an automatic valve
  6. (of a word) to determine the inflection of (another word)

    Latin nouns govern adjectives that modify them

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈDZԲ, adjective
  • ˌDZԲˈٲ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • DZİ·· adjective
  • DZe··i·ٲ DZİ···ness noun
  • v·DZİ verb (used with object)
  • ·DZİ verb (used with object)
  • p·DZİ verb (used with object)
  • ܲ·DZİԱ adjective
  • ܲ·DZİ·Բ adjective
  • ɱ-DZİԱ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of govern1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French gouverner, from Latin ܲ “to steer (a ship),” from Greek â “to steer”; cybernetics ( def )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of govern1

C13: from Old French gouverner, from Latin ܲ to steer, from Greek kubernan
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Synonym Study

See rule.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In his first term, Trump negotiated a detailed trade deal, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement and governed trade practices among the United States and its closest trading partners.

From

It was a move that led to legal action from the governing body.

From

Uefa has more stringent rules and it remains to be seen whether European football's governing body considers any action.

From

In each of those “limitations on freedom of speech were,” Hun observes, “in effect, limitations on the right of the people to govern themselves.”

From

Last month, the General Synod - the Church's governing body - rejected a proposal that would have made safeguarding fully independent, which proponents say would increase accountability but critics say would delay reform.

From

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More About Govern

What does govern mean?

Govern means to rule over something with authority, as in In a democracy, people elect those who will govern them.

Govern can also mean to hold something in check, like your temper.

And govern can mean to act as a guiding force, as when your stomach governs your food choices.

Govern, meaning to rule over something, is almost always used to refer to government or politics, as in The president did his best to govern the country during the war. Presidents and prime ministers are examples of people who govern countries or nations. A person who governs something might be called a governor but is just as likely to be referred to by an official title.

Govern can also mean to control or curb something, as in The waiter wanted to shout at the rude customer but he managed to govern his anger.

Govern is also used to mean to restrain influence over something by acting as a guide, as in The lawyer always let his strong sense of justice govern his actions.

Example: Most voters were undecided who would be better at governing the country.

Where does govern come from?

The first records of govern come from around 1250. It ultimately comes from the Greek â, meaning “to steer.” In a manner of speaking, a person who governs something guides its course or direction.

Govern is a synonym of words such rule, command, or lead. However, govern usually implies that the person is the head of an organized state or a just administration. When a person is said to govern, this often means that they lead a state or bureaucracy but almost always have limited power. By contrast, people such as kings, queens, emperors, and dictators who have most or all of the political power are often said to rule a nation rather than govern it.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to govern?

  • government (noun)
  • governor (noun)
  • governable (adjective)
  • governability (noun)
  • overgovern (verb)

What are some synonyms for govern?

What are some words that share a root or word element with govern?

What are some words that often get used in discussing govern?

How is govern used in real life?

Govern is a word that most often refers to the actions performed by a leader of a country or other organization.

Try using govern!

Which of the following people is most likely to govern something?

A. an electrician
B. a mayor
C. a police officer
D. a chef

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