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

He might have won had Mercedes not overruled his wish to stay out rather than pit for fresh tyres shortly before the red flag.

From BBC

Mr Van der Linde was overruled by Amsterdam's district court, which wrote on Sunday that "the mayor has rightly determined that there is a ban on demonstrating in the city this weekend".

From BBC

Matthew Martin, 47, Sean Harper, 38, and his wife Shiza, 45, were part of the group and believed they could overrule the UK judicial system.

From BBC

Political appointees could overrule scientists to pull back and redo regulations they didn’t like, she said.

From Salon

By the time her partner Charlie Rowley become ill later that afternoon, paramedics raised concerns this could be nerve agent poisoning, but were effectively “overruled” by Wiltshire Police, the hearing was told.

From BBC

Related Words

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