govern (ˈɡʌvənn
)
Definitions
verb (mainly tr)
- (also intr) to direct and control the actions, affairs, policies, functions, etc, of (a political unit, organization, nation, etc); rule
- to exercise restraint over; regulate or direct ⇒
to govern one's temper
- to be a predominant influence on (something); decide or determine (something) ⇒
his injury governed his decision to avoid sports
- to control the speed of (an engine, machine, etc) using a governor
- to control the rate of flow of (a fluid) by using an automatic valve
- (of a word) to determine the inflection of (another word) ⇒
Latin nouns govern adjectives that modify them
Alternative Forms
ˈgovernable adjective ˌgovernaˈbility ˈgovernableness nounWord Origin
C13: from Old French gouverner, from Latin gubernāre to steer, from Greek kubernanSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
rule,
lead,
control,
command,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
order,
reign over
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
be in power over
call the shots,
call the tune,
hold sway over
superintend,
=
restrain,
control,
check,
contain,
master,
discipline,
regulate,
curb,
inhibit,
tame,
subdue,
get the better of,
bridle,
hold in check
keep a tight rein on,
Usage examples
There are rules which govern not only the working lives of our nurses, but also their off-duty lives.
, A Question of Principle (1986)The problem is that engineers are struggling to work with the strange laws of physics that govern the world on the smallest scale.
New Scientist (1999)Musharraf was confirmed as president in controversial elections in October 2002, and has appointed a prime minister to govern the country.
CBC (2004)In the first term we were establishing our credibility to govern.
Sun, News of the World (2001)But during the 87 years of their sojourn, each has learned enough to govern the remnant of Britain which is left.
, Hallowquest - tarot magic and the Arthurian mysteries (1990)