govern

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verb gov·ern \ˈgə-vərn\

Definition of govern

transitive verb
1a : to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially : to control and direct the making and administration of policy in The country was governed by a king.b : to rule without sovereign power and usually without having the authority to determine basic policy
2a archaic : manipulateb : to control the speed of (a machine) especially by automatic means
3a : to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct ofb : to exert a determining or guiding influence in or over income must govern expenditurec : to hold in check : restrain was told to govern her emotions
4 : to require (a word) to be in a certain case
5 : to serve as a precedent or deciding principle for customs that govern human decisions
intransitive verb
1 : to prevail or have decisive influence : control In all situations allow reason to govern.
2 : to exercise authority

governable

play \ˈgə-vər-nə-bəl\ adjective

See govern defined for English-language learners

See govern defined for kids

Examples of govern in a Sentence

The tribe is governed by a 10-member council.
They want to form their own country and govern themselves.
The scandal limited her ability to govern effectively.
How would he govern if he were elected president?
She suggested changing the state's laws governing the sale of alcohol.
The council governs fishing in the region.
We will be studying the forces that govern the Earth's climate.
Tradition governs all aspects of their lives.
He allows himself to be governed by his emotions.

Recent Examples of govern from the Web

Matt Stone/CJ The Louisville Orchestra has forged a new three-year contract that aims to increase the base salaries of its musicians and give them a bigger voice in governing the organization.

— grace schneider, The Courier-Journal, "Musicians question slow rise in Orchestra salary even in backing 3-year contract agreement," 18 July 2017
Attention’s now turning to a new industrial park in western India, in the state once governed by Modi.

— iain marlow, Bloomberg.com, "Japan Inc.'s Thriving Outpost Sits in This Dusty Indian Town," 10 July 2017
Part 89,4032 The earth is round, one plus one equals two, and Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna are fighting again — thus are the three constants that govern our universe.

— gabriella paiella and jessica roy, The Cut, "This Week in Drama: Hobby Lobby Bought Smuggled Iraqi Artifacts, Chris Christie Went to the Beach, and Lena Dunham’s Abandoned-Dog Saga Continues," 7 July 2017
Three years later, an Associated Press investigation found that Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) Pediatric Hospital did indeed shift its focus in ways big and small under its past administration, which governed from 2008 to 2015.

— maria cheng, The Seattle Times, "Vatican admits past problems at hospital after AP probe," 5 July 2017
This has hurt the executive-legislature relationship, hindered governing effectiveness and directly dragged down our economic and social progress.

— david tweed, Bloomberg.com, "Xi Says Hong Kong Should Profit From China — Not Defy It," 1 July 2017
Baum and Kerr hope the long-overdue appointment of a national science adviser will eventually nudge the governing Liberals toward implementing new funding policies.

— wayne kondro, Science | AAAS, "Canada’s basic science at risk of fading away, report argues," 28 June 2017
Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the church’s governing council, said that with the new policy in place, LDS is looking to serve as an example.

— claire landsbaum, The Cut, "Women Who Work for the Mormon Church Can Now Wear Pants," 28 June 2017
Ultra-Orthodox rabbis strictly govern Jewish practices in Israel such as weddings, divorces, burials and conversions.

— aron heller, Jewish Journal, "Ultra-Orthodox lawmaker: Reform Jews don't believe in Temple," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'govern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of govern

Middle English, from Anglo-French governer, from Latin gubernare to steer, govern, from Greek kybernan

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First Known Use: 14th century

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GOVERN Defined for English Language Learners

govern

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verb

Definition of govern for English Language Learners

: to officially control and lead (a group of people) : to make decisions about laws, taxes, social programs, etc., for (a country, state, etc.)
: to control the way that (something) is done
: to control or guide the actions of (someone or something)

GOVERN Defined for Kids

govern

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verb gov·ern \ˈgə-vərn\

Definition of govern for Students

governed

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governing

1 : ²rule 1
2 : to influence the actions and conduct of : control “… a kind word will govern me …” — Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
3 : to serve as a rule for Laws governing the Internet are changing.

Law Dictionary

govern

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transitive verb gov·ern \ˈgə-vərn\

Legal Definition of govern

1 : to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially : to control and direct the administration of policy in
2 : to exert a determining or guiding influence in or over the testator's assets are governed by will substitutes — W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
3 : to serve as a precedent or deciding principle for the law governing bills of lading United States v. Leon governs the case at bar