govern

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verb

Definition of GOVERN

1

to exercise authority or power over <the president is elected in order to govern the country, not to follow public opinion polls>

Synonyms boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, sway [archaic]

Related Words conduct, direct, head, lead; administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise; dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize; conquer, subdue, subjugate

2

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) <you need to govern your speech and be able to communicate your outrage without resorting to profanity>

Synonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame

Related Words bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence

Near Antonyms liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent

Antonyms lose

3

to look after and make decisions about <the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer>

Synonyms administer, administrate, carry on, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tend

Related Words care (for), mind, watch; lead, pilot, steer; guard, protect, safeguard; micromanage, stage-manage; codirect, comanage