govern

gov-ern · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To officially control and lead a country, state, or organization.

  2. 2.

    To control, influence, or regulate something.

  3. 3.

    (grammar) To require a particular grammatical form in another word.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    governing body — An organization responsible for controlling or regulating something
  • •
    self-governing — Having the power to govern oneself independently
  • •
    govern oneself — To control one's behavior or emotions

Related words

Antonyms: follow, obey, submit
See also: administer, control, government, governor, rule
Synonyms: administer, control, manage, regulate, rule

Etymology

From Old French governer, from Latin gubernare ("to steer, pilot, govern"), from Greek kybernan ("to steer, guide"). The same root gives us "cybernetics."