Antonyms for govern


Grammar : Verb
Spell : guhv-ern
Phonetic Transcription : ˈgʌv ərn


Definition of govern

Origin :
  • late 13c., from Old French governer (11c., Modern French gouverner) "govern," from Latin gubernare "to direct, rule, guide, govern" (cf. Spanish gobernar, Italian governare), originally "to steer," a nautical borrowing from Greek kybernan "to steer or pilot a ship, direct" (the root of cybernetics). The -k- to -g- sound shift is perhaps via the medium of Etruscan. Related: Governed; governing.
  • verb take control; rule
  • verb influence; hold in check
Example sentences :
  • Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him?
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • For, Madam, could I be supposed to govern the passions of either of the gentlemen?
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • It was composed of the grim psychological laws that govern the abnormal.
  • Extract from : « Viviette » by William J. Locke
  • It is too apt to govern itself by what a bold spirit is encouraged to expect of it.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • You know that I am sensitive and brave, and that it is my character to govern.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • But that is but the vision of a second; my mind has been thinking of the soul that is to govern this personage.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • I should govern him as I pleased, he solemnly assured me, in every thing.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • A woman must persuade men by gentleness—not govern them by force.
  • Extract from : « The Coryston Family » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • How differently did the Romans and the Greeks govern themselves?
  • Extract from : « Introductory American History » by Henry Eldridge Bourne
  • We'll see whether boys are to govern men, or men are to govern boys.'
  • Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens

Synonyms for govern

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019