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
Explore Merriam-Webster
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
-
Penn State is making changes to its Greek system, including taking control of the previously self-governing fraternities and sororities, following the February death of a pledge.
-
Kirke's business partner, Michael Richards, was elevated last month to president of the Board of Regents, which governs Iowa's three public universities.
-
The hurricane center has rules governing if a storm gets to keep its same name in a new ocean, however.
-
Even though minority governments aren’t unusual in Canada and a formal coalition isn’t necessary to govern, such a tight outcome is rare.
-
Bevin appointed Ramsey, an investment manager, to the Kentucky Retirement Systems governing board last year.
-
Brooks is long dead, but the heirs to his peculiar notion of bravery govern America still.
-
Many of Indiana's booze laws date back to prohibition, filling a thick book that governs everything from how alcohol can be advertised to which types of retailers are allowed to sell cold beer.
-
In practice, this means they are heavily politicized, influenced by governing-party politicians rather than evenhandedly enforcing the law.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
GOVERN Defined for English Language Learners
govern
playDefinition 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
Law Dictionary
govern
playLegal 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
Learn More about govern
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for govern Spanish Central: Translation of govern Nglish: Translation of govern for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of govern for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up govern? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!