Main Entry: ²rule

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ruled; rul·ing

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 a : to exert control, direction, or influence on <the passions that rule our minds> b : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining <rule a fractious horse> <ruled his appetites firmly>
2 a : to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily <the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand> b : to be preeminent in : dominate
3 : to determine and declare authoritatively; especially : to command or determine judicially
4 a (1) : to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler (2) : to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler b : to arrange in a lineintransitive verb 1 a : to exercise supreme authority b : to be first in importance or prominence : predominate <the physical did not rule in her nature — Sherwood Anderson>
2 : to exist in a specified state or condition
3 : to lay down a legal rule
4 slang : to be extremely cool or popular —used as a generalized term of praise or approval <for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule — Tish Hamilton>

synonyms see decide