govern

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

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

   The old king governed the land wisely for many years.

2. 2
   verb

   To control or strongly influence how something happens or how someone behaves.

   Their religious beliefs govern their daily conduct.

3. 3
   verb

   To control or regulate the speed or flow of something.

   A valve governs the amount of fuel entering the engine.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Govern came through Old French governer from Latin gubernare, “to steer” or “rule.” The Latin verb in turn came from Greek kubernan, “to steer.”

From Middle English governen, governe, from Anglo-Norman and Old French governer, guverner, from Latin gubernō, from Ancient Greek κυβερνάω (kubernáō, “to steer, drive, govern”). Displaced native Old English wealdan, whence modern dialectical English wald (“to govern”).

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary