govern
verb (used with object)
to rule over by right of authority.
had governed
-
past perfectof govern.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In 2018 it led to a historic election loss for Najib's Barisan Nasional coalition, which had governed the country since its independence in 1957.
From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025
The scandal shook Malaysian politics, contributing to the 2018 downfall of the ruling coalition that had governed since independence in 1957, and led to the convictions of two former Goldman bankers.
From Barron's ● Dec. 25, 2025
His predecessor in the role was Pete Rozelle, the legendary figure who had governed the league for nearly three decades, overseeing the AFL-NFL merger and turning pro football into an economic and cultural juggernaut.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025
The gains show that investors have overcome fears of rising interest rates and panic about a recession that had governed stock trading for much of the past two years.
From New York Times ● Jan. 19, 2024
He had governed the Church, or rather Europe, for eighteen years ten months and nine days; it is the most brilliant period of the papal power.
From The Power Of The Popes by Pierre Claude Fran?ois Daunou
