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overrule

[oh-ver-rool]
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verb (used with object), o·ver·ruled, o·ver·rul·ing.
  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.
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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

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British Dictionary definitions for overrule

overrule

verb (tr)
  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
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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

v.

"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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper