rule

²rule

verb

ruledrul·ing

Definition of RULE

transitive verb

1

a : to exert control, direction, or influence on <the passions that rule our minds> b : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining <rule a fractious horse> <ruled his appetites firmly>

2

a : to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily <the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand> b : to be preeminent in : dominate

3

: to determine and declare authoritatively; especially : to command or determine judicially

4

a (1) : to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler (2) : to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler b : to arrange in a line

intransitive verb

1

a : to exercise supreme authority b : to be first in importance or prominence : predominate <the physical did not rule in her nature — Sherwood Anderson>

2

: to exist in a specified state or condition

3

: to lay down a legal rule

4

slang : to be extremely cool or popular —used as a generalized term of praise or approval <for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule — Tish Hamilton>

Examples of RULE

1. The queen ruled for 25 years.
2. A dynasty ruled over this region during the 11th century.
3. Who will be the next leader to rule the country?
4. All of his actions were ruled by his religion.
5. The court ruled in favor of the defendant.
6. The jury ruled against the tobacco companies.
7. How will the court rule on the motion?
8. The Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional.
9. The board ruled that her behavior was cheating.

First Known Use of RULE

13th century

Related to RULE

Synonyms: boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), govern, sway [archaic]

Antonyms: lose

Related Words: conduct, direct, head, lead; administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise; dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize; conquer, subdue, subjugate

Near Antonyms: liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at decide