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gov·ern
 govern
- pronunciation:
- guh
v
 rn
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
governed, governing, governs |
| definition 1: |
to rule over or in by political or sovereign authority.
The country is governed by the parliament.- synonyms:
- dominate, lead, rule
- similar words:
- administer, command, control, direct, head, manage, oversee, regulate, supervise
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| definition 2: |
to control or restrain.
As they grown up, children begin to govern their emotions.- synonyms:
- bridle, control, curb, rein in, restrain, subdue, suppress
- similar words:
- check, discipline, harness, inhibit, leash, master, tame
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| definition 3: |
to serve as the rule or determining influence for.
These are the factors that will govern his decision.One's values and principles should govern one's behavior.- synonyms:
- determine, guide, influence, sway
- similar words:
- mold, steer
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| related words: |
bow, bridle, determine, lead |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to rule with political authority.
The current king has governed for twelve years.- synonyms:
- dominate, preside, reign, rule
- similar words:
- lead, predominate
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| definition 2: |
to have influence or control.
My mother governed in our family.For these sailing ships, it was the wind that governed.- synonyms:
- dominate, predominate, reign, rule
- similar words:
- command, prevail
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| related words: |
administer, manage, preside, reign |
| derivations: |
governable (adj.), governability (n.) |
Govern comes from an ancient Greek word that meant "to steer or pilot (a ship)." From the Greek came the Latin word gubernare, meaning "to direct, rule, or guide."
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