govern
verb (used with object)
to rule over by right of authority.
governed
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past participleof govern.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof govern.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
governverb (used with object)to rule over by right of authority.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tournaments are pursuing younger audiences accustomed to the continuous movement and noise of other professional sports, challenging traditions that have long governed how spectators behave.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
A Supreme Court decision to force prediction markets to be governed by the same rules as sportsbooks would restrict 18- to 20-year-olds from betting on sports in most states.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026
The 57-year-old, known as JOH, governed from 2014 to 2022 and had been accused of embezzling $2 million in public funds to finance his 2013 presidential campaign.
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
Though Uganda is governed by an elected president, it has several traditional kingdoms which continue to have significant cultural influence despite not having political power.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
I knew that this machine-city was governed by strange laws and I wondered if I would ever learn them.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
