"govern" Definition

Definitions for the word "govern" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men, either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to regulate by authority.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To regulate; to influence; to direct; to restrain; to manage; as, to govern the life; to govern a horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To require to be in a particular case; as, a transitive verb governs a noun in the objective case; or to require (a particular case); as, a transitive verb governs the objective case.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To exercise authority; to administer the laws; to have the control.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v.
1 rule or control with authority; conduct the policy and affairs of. 2 influence or determine (a person or course of action). 3 be a standard or principle for. 4 check or control (esp. Passions). 5 gram. (esp. Of a verb or preposition) have (a noun or pronoun or its case) depending on it. [greek kubernao steer]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "govern" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "govern" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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