govern

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verb gov·ern \ ˈgə-vərn \

Definition of govern

transitive verb

1 a :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

2 a archaic :manipulate

b :to control the speed of (a machine) especially by automatic means

3 a :to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of

b :to exert a determining or guiding influence in or over

income must govern expenditure

c :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

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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

An effective response to either crisis could allow Trump to demonstrate an ability to govern that has remained elusive during the turbulent first months of his administration.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Trump speech will bash rigged system. But tax outline would benefit 1 percent.," 30 Aug. 2017
Polls suggest Merkel is on course to win a fourth term, but will need a coalition partner to govern.

— alan crawford, Bloomberg.com, "German Parties Snub U.K. to Back Scotland’s Push to Defy Brexit," 30 Aug. 2017
An effective response to either crisis could allow Trump to demonstrate an ability to govern that has remained elusive during the turbulent first months of his administration.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Trump speech will bash rigged system. But tax outline would benefit 1 percent.," 30 Aug. 2017
A proposal has been floated in California to divide the state into three distinct parts, the hope being that would make the place easier to govern: The three Californias would have roughly equivalent populations and wealth.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "The Morning Line, 8/30," 30 Aug. 2017
An effective response to either crisis could allow Trump to demonstrate an ability to govern that has remained elusive during the turbulent first months of his administration.

— ashley parker and john wagner, chicagotribune.com, "Trump's ability to govern tested by Harvey at home and North Korea abroad," 29 Aug. 2017
The prospect of an intra-party revolt would terrify most politicians, but Trump has always been more comfortable in campaign mode than governing.

— vanityfair.com, "Trump Confronts His 2020 Paradox," 21 Aug. 2017
Gillis's interpretation of state law and regulations governing how the board calls meetings contradicts a letter sent to board members on Aug. 17 by Gov. Ivey's general counsel, Bryan Taylor.

— trisha powell crain, AL.com, "Disputed Alabama board of education meeting deemed legal by attorney," 21 Aug. 2017
That modulation is governed by the autonomic nervous system, which includes both your sympathetic nervous system (SNS, or fight-or-flight response) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS, or your chill-out system).

— jessica migala, Health.com, "What Is Heart Rate Variability–and Do You Need to Know Yours?," 31 July 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

See Words from the same year

govern Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

lose

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

Near Antonyms

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

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

play

verb gov·ern \ ˈgə-vərn \

Definition of govern for Students

governed; 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

play

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

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governable

play \ˈgə-vər-nə-bəl\ adjective

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govern

Definition of govern

governable

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Examples of govern in a Sentence

Recent Examples of govern from the Web

Origin and Etymology of govern

govern Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

GOVERN Defined for English Language Learners

govern

Definition of govern for English Language Learners

GOVERN Defined for Kids

govern

Definition of govern for Students

Law Dictionary

govern

legal Definition of govern

governable

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