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Synonyms

misgovern

American  
[mis-guhv-ern] / mɪsˈgʌv ərn /

verb (used with object)

  1. to govern or manage badly.


misgovern British  
/ ˌmɪsˈɡʌvən /

verb

  1. to govern badly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of misgovern

First recorded in 1375–1425, misgovern is from the late Middle English word misgovernen. See mis- 1, govern

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.

Rather than occupy hostile territories, powerful countries prefer to exert influence from across the border while letting the foreign population misgovern itself.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2014

National monarchy meant national wars and the right of national churches to misgovern themselves according to their several inclinations.

From Medieval Europe by Davis, H. W. C. (Henry William Carless)

Cicero promised his influence to obtain some lucrative province for Antonius to misgovern.

From Caesar: a Sketch by Froude, James Anthony

Suppose, for instance, a member of the House of Commons were at this moment to debate within himself, whether it would be for his ultimate happiness to begin, according to his ability, to misgovern.

From Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 2 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron

We may govern ourselves as we please, we may misgovern ourselves as we please.

From The Last Voyage to India and Australia, in the 'Sunbeam' by Pritchett, R. T. (Robert Taylor)

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