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gov·ern

govern

 
 
pronunciation:
guh vrn
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: governs, governing, governed
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
definition 2: to control or restrain.
He was immature then and could not govern his emotions.
synonyms:
bridle, control, curb, rein in, restrain, subdue, suppress
similar words:
check, discipline, harness, inhibit, leash, master, tame
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
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to rule with political authority.
The current administration has governed for six years.
synonyms:
dominate, preside, reign, rule
similar words:
lead, predominate
definition 2: to have influence or control.
It was my grandmother who governed in our family.For these sailing ships, it was principally the wind that governed.
synonyms:
dominate, predominate, reign, rule
similar words:
command, prevail
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: governable (adj.), governability (n.)
Word History
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."
Word Builder: govern +
  • governor:
    a person who governs. In the United States, a governor is the elected leader of a state.
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