gov·ern
Pronounced:
/ˈgʌvɚn/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
gov·erns; gov·erned; gov·ern·ingMeaning:
1 : to officially control and lead (a group of people) : to make decisions about laws, taxes, social programs, etc., for (a country, state, etc.) [+ obj] ▪ Members of the party have governed [=ruled] the country for the last 20 years. ▪ The tribe is governed by a 10-member council. ▪ They want to form their own country and govern themselves. [no obj] ▪ The scandal limited her ability to govern effectively. ▪ How would he govern if he were elected president?
2 [+ obj] : to control the way that (something) is done ▪ She suggested changing the state's laws governing the sale of alcohol. ▪ The council governs fishing in the region.
3 [+ obj] : to control or guide the actions of (someone or something) ▪ We will be studying the forces that govern the Earth's climate. ▪ Tradition governs all aspects of their lives. ▪ He allows himself to be governed by his emotions.
2 [+ obj] : to control the way that (something) is done ▪ She suggested changing the state's laws governing the sale of alcohol. ▪ The council governs fishing in the region.
3 [+ obj] : to control or guide the actions of (someone or something) ▪ We will be studying the forces that govern the Earth's climate. ▪ Tradition governs all aspects of their lives. ▪ He allows himself to be governed by his emotions.
—gov·ern·able /ˈgʌvɚnəbəl/ adjective [more gov*ern*able; most gov*ern*able] ▪ a governable city
/ˈgʌvɚnəbəl/ adjective [more gov*ern*able; most gov*ern*able] ▪ a governable city