Govern — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈgə-vərn/ gov·ern

Meaning & Definition of Govern

Govern (verb)

  1. to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially, to control and direct the making and administration of policy in
  2. to rule without sovereign power and usually without having the authority to determine basic policy
  3. to determine rules for and handle administration of (an organization, group, etc.)

Govern (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to exercise authority or power over

    "the president is elected in order to govern the country, not to follow public opinion polls"

    similar: boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, sway (archaic)
    related: conduct, direct, head, lead, administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise, dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize, conquer, subdue, subjugate

  2. to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

    "you need to govern your speech and be able to communicate your outrage without resorting to profanity"

    similar: bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame
    related: bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow, arrest, interrupt, stop, block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct, gag, muzzle, silence
    opposite: lose
    near: liberate, loose, loosen, unleash, air, express, take out, vent

  3. to look after and make decisions about

    "the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer"

    similar: administer, administrate, carry on, conduct, control, direct, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tend, watch over
    related: care (for), mind, watch, lead, pilot, steer, guard, protect, safeguard, micromanage, stage-manage, codirect, comanage

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Govern

The most common words with a similar meaning to Govern:

Archaic: sway
boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, administer, administrate, carry on, conduct, direct, guide, handle, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tend, watch over

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Govern

Words with the opposite meaning of Govern:

lose

Related Words for Govern

head, lead, micromanage, dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize, conquer, subdue, subjugate, bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow, arrest, interrupt

Near Antonyms of Govern

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash, air, express, take out, vent

Word Forms of Govern

Inflections: governed, governing, governs

Derived words: governable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Govern

Middle English, from Anglo-French governer, from Latin gubernare to steer, govern, from Greek kybernan

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Govern

Frequently Asked Questions about Govern

What does "Govern" mean?

"Govern" means to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially, to control and direct the making and administration of policy in. As a verb, it is defined as: to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially, to control and direct the making and administration of policy in. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Govern"?

Other words for "Govern" include boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, sway and bridle. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Govern" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Govern"?

There are 89 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Govern". Common alternatives include boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, sway, bridle, check and constrain.

What is the opposite of "Govern"?

Antonyms of "Govern" include lose. Near antonyms include liberate, loose, loosen and unleash.

How do you use "Govern" in a sentence?

Examples of "Govern" in a sentence: "the president is elected in order to govern the country, not to follow public opinion polls"; "you need to govern your speech and be able to communicate your outrage without resorting to profanity"; "the company's finances are governed by its chief financial officer".

Is "Govern" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Govern" is a verb.

Is "Govern" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Govern" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Govern"?

"Govern" is pronounced /ˈgə-vərn/ and divided into syllables as gov·ern.