gov|ern

gov|ern
gov|ern «GUHV uhrn», transitive verb.
1. to rule; control; manage: »

The election determined which party would govern the United States for four years. Who, or rather, what new coalition shall next govern France? (Time).

SYNONYM(S): direct, conduct. See syn. under rule. (Cf.rule)
2. to exercise a directing or restraining influence over; determine or guide: »

What were the motives governing the king's decision to give up his throne?

3. to hold back; restrain; check: »

Govern your temper.

4. to be a rule or law for: »

the principles governing a case.

5. Grammar. to require (a word) to be in a certain case or mood; require (a certain case or mood).
6. to control automatically the speed of (a machine).
–v.i.
1. to exercise the function of government; rule: »

And no President has ever governed over a more contented electorate—or a more united one (Newsweek).

2. to have a predominating or decisive influence; prevail.
[< Old French governer < Latin gubernāre (originally) to steer < Greek kybernân]
gov´ern|a|ble, adjective.

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • gov|ern|ment-in-ex|ile — «GUHV uhrn muhnt ihn EHG zyl, uhr ; EHK syl», noun, plural gov|ern|ments in ex|ile. an ousted government set up in a neutral or friendly foreign country in order to maintain its official status: »The Polish government in exile was in Great… …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov´ern|men´tal|ly — gov|ern|men|tal «GUHV uhrn MEHN tuhl, uhr », adjective. of or having to do with government or a government. ╂[American English < government + al1] –gov´ern|men´tal|ly, adverb …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|men|tal — «GUHV uhrn MEHN tuhl, uhr », adjective. of or having to do with government or a government. ╂[American English < government + al1] –gov´ern|men´tal|ly, adverb …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov´ern|a|ble — gov|ern «GUHV uhrn», transitive verb. 1. to rule; control; manage: »The election determined which party would govern the United States for four years. Who, or rather, what new coalition shall next govern France? (Time). SYNONYM(S): direct,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|ance — «GUHV uhr nuhns», noun. government; rule; control …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|ess|y — «GUHV uhr nuh see», adjective. like a governess; fussy; spinsterish; prim …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|ess — «GUHV uhr nihs», noun. 1. a woman who teaches or trains children in their homes. 2. Obsolete. a female governor or ruler. 3. the wife of a governor (a humorous use) …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|men|tal|ism — «GUHV uhrn MEHN tuh LIHZ uhm, uhr », noun. the tendency to enlarge or extend the sphere of activity or power of a government …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|men|tal|ist — «GUHV uhrn MEHN tuh lihst, uhr », noun. an advocate or follower of governmentalism …   Useful english dictionary

  • gov|ern|ment|ese — «GUHV uhrn mehn TEEZ, TEES; uhr », noun. federalese; the jargon of officialdom …   Useful english dictionary

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