rule

rule

verb

Definition of RULE

1

to exercise authority or power over <a sea captain who ruled his ship sternly but justly>

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) <a monarch who is known for ruling her emotions with an iron hand>

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