overrule

[oh-ver-rool]

verb (used with object)

overruled, overruling 

1. to rule against or disallow the arguments of (a person).

   The senator was overruled by the committee chairman.

2. to rule or decide against (a plea, argument, etc.); reject.

   to overrule an objection.

3. to prevail over so as to change the purpose or action.

   a delay that overruled our plans.

4. to exercise control or influence over.

   belief in a beneficent deity that overrules the universe.

overrule

/ ˌəʊvəˈruːl /

verb

1. to disallow the arguments of (a person) by the use of authority

2. to rule or decide against (an argument, decision, etc)

3. to prevail over, dominate, or influence

4. to exercise rule over

Other Word Forms

• overruler noun
• overrulingly adverb
• unoverruled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overrule¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + rule

Example Sentences

Mann told me he’s confident that the ruling will be overruled on appeal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Despite the decision being overruled, the local authority doubled down on its ambition to remove asylum seekers before the court date.

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The superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District overruled a plan approved by the Board of Education to display Israeli flags on all campuses during Jewish American Heritage Month, citing concerns about student safety.

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The governor also overruled the parole board multiple times when they sought to release Van Houten, though his decision was eventually thrown out by a California appeals court.

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He denied he had overruled staff or lawyers.

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Related Words

• annul 
• disallow 
• invalidate 
• nullify 
• override 
• overturn 
• quash 
• rescind 
• reverse 
• revoke 
• strike down 
• veto 
• void