overrule

[ oh-ver-rool ]

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.

overrule

/ ˌəʊvəˈruːl /

verb

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

Other Words From

• over·ruler noun
• over·ruling·ly adverb
• uno·ver·ruled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overrule¹

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + rule

Example Sentences

If there are five justices who wish to overrule decisions like those of Atkins, Roper, and Miller, Jones potentially presents them with a way to do it.

From Vox

One report said Leach’s interview for the Tennessee job “went very well,” and another indicated that then-athletic director John Currie was prepared to hire Leach but was overruled by the administration.

From FiveThirtyEight

If FDA career scientists get overruled by political appointees, that would also be a major sign of political pressure.

From ProPublica

Let me give me you the three reasons why we think it should be overruled, and it was a very nice generous thing to do.

From Washington Blade

When they failed, thanks to a maneuver granted by a recent state law that allows a few large cities that represent a majority of the county’s population to overrule the rest of the board, they walked out.

From Voice of San Diego

He tried to contact a Health Republic doctor to overrule the nurse and get approval for payment.

From The Daily Beast

First, he maintains that enactment of such a law “would overrule a historic Supreme Court decision.”

From The Daily Beast

If all the mild mutineers could be induced to cling together, they could easily overrule Howe and his party.

From Project Gutenberg

I think it right to state the facts, because it shows how wonderfully God's grace can overrule.

From Project Gutenberg

Hope they'll overrule it—make a lot of difference to me if they don't.

From Project Gutenberg

It will, of course, overrule any conflicting view of the Provost-Marshal-General, if there be such.

From Project Gutenberg

We know the court that made it has often overruled its own decisions, and we shall do what we can to have it to overrule this.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annul
• disallow
• invalidate
• nullify
• override
• overturn
• quash
• rescind
• reverse
• revoke
• strike down
• veto
• void