overrule

[oh-ver-rool]

See more synonyms for overrule on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), o·ver·ruled, o·ver·rul·ing.

to rule against or disallow the arguments of (a person): The senator was overruled by the committee chairman.
to rule or decide against (a plea, argument, etc.); reject: to overrule an objection.
to prevail over so as to change the purpose or action: a delay that overruled our plans.

to exercise control or influence over: belief in a beneficent deity that overrules the universe.

Origin of overrule

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + rule

Related formso·ver·rul·er, nouno·ver·rul·ing·ly, adverbun·o·ver·ruled, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for overrule

invalidate, annul, revoke, reverse, veto, void, disallow, nullify, quash, override, overturn, rescind, cancel, abrogate, negate

Examples from the Web for overrule

Contemporary Examples of overrule

He tried to contact a Health Republic doctor to overrule the nurse and get approval for payment.
My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare
Malcolm MacDougall
November 24, 2014

Historical Examples of overrule

I had set "Finis" to that chapter; was fate minded to overrule me and write more?
Simon Dale
Anthony Hope
He had not shown the ability to overrule with reason his animal instincts.
Anything You Can Do ...
Gordon Randall Garrett
Judge Russel: I overrule that question, and you need not answer it.
Danger! A True History of a Great City's Wiles and Temptations
William Howe
He does not say, I will so overrule all others that no one shall slay thee.
Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II
Martin Luther
Other men may overrule other women, perhaps; I know my place too well.
A Pessimist
Robert Timsol

British Dictionary definitions for overrule

overrule

verb (tr)

to disallow the arguments of (a person) by the use of authority
to rule or decide against (an argument, decision, etc)
to prevail over, dominate, or influence
to exercise rule over

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

Word Origin and History for overrule

"rule against; set aside, as by a higher authority," 1590s, from over- + rule (v.). It was used earlier in a sense "to govern, control" (1570s). Related: Overruled; overruling.