verb

govern

to govern, to rule, to control

The party was elected to govern the country.

The party was elected to govern the country.

The laws of physics govern the universe.

The laws of physics govern the universe.

You must learn to govern your temper.

You must learn to govern your temper.

((sth.)) to control a country or area The party governs the country.

((sth.)) to control or influence (sth.) The laws of physics govern the universe.

((sth.)) to control your own behavior or feelings You must govern your temper.

Synonyms: rule, manage, control, direct

From Old French 'governer', from Latin 'gubernare' (to steer a ship), from Greek 'kybernan' (to steer).

Imagine a ship's pilot steering or 'governing' the direction of the vessel, similar to how a government steers a country.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.