override

American  

[oh-ver-rahyd, oh-ver-rahyd] / ˌoʊ vərˈraɪd, ˈoʊ vərˌraɪd /

verb (used with object)

overrode, overridden, overriding

1. to prevail or have dominance over; have final authority or say over; overrule.

   to override one's advisers.

2. to disregard, set aside, or nullify; countermand.

   to override the board's veto.

3. to take precedence over; preempt or supersede.

   to override any other considerations.

4. to extend beyond or spread over; overlap.

5. to modify or suspend the ordinary functioning of; alter the normal operation of.

6. to ride over or across.

7. to ride past or beyond.

8. to trample or crush; ride down.

9. to ride (a horse) too much.

10. Fox Hunting. to ride too closely behind (the hounds).

---

noun

1. a commission on sales or profits, especially one paid at the executive or managerial level.

2. budgetary or expense increase; exceeding of an estimate.

   work stoppage because of cost overrides.

3. an ability or allowance to correct, change, supplement, or suspend the operation of an otherwise automatic mechanism, system, etc.

4. an auxiliary device for such modification, as a special manual control.

5. an act of nullifying, canceling, or setting aside.

   a congressional override of the president's veto.

6. Radio and Television Slang. something that is a dominant or major facet of a program or series, especially something that serves as a unifying theme.

   an entertainment series with a historical override.

override British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈraɪd /

verb

1. to set aside or disregard with superior authority or power

2. to supersede or annul

3. to dominate or vanquish by or as if by trampling down

4. to take manual control of (a system that is usually under automatic control)

5. to extend or pass over, esp to overlap

6. to ride (a horse) too hard

7. to ride over or across

---

noun

1. a device or system that can override an automatic control

Etymology

Origin of override

before 900; Middle English overriden to ride over or across, Old English oferrīdan. See over-, ride

Example Sentences

The Rwandans knew the U.S. had an overriding interest in checking Islamic State’s advance in the southern African country, and only Rwanda has proven willing and able to take on the job, the officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the overriding public interest here is getting scarce spectrum into the hands of companies that can put it to good use.

From The Wall Street Journal

After 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream came to a crushing end in Prague with "pain" the overriding emotion for manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.

From BBC

“Geopolitics once again overrides the macro calendar in terms of market sensitivity,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The mayor has said he will veto the bill, meaning that the council will need to find four additional votes to override it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• abrogate
• annul
• nullify
• quash
• reverse
• revoke
• veto