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.

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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