to rule over by right of authority

to govern a nation.

to exercise a directing or restraining influence over; guide

the motives governing a decision.

to hold in check; control

to govern one's temper.

to serve as or constitute a law for

the principles governing a case.

Grammar . to be regularly accompanied by or require the use of (a particular form). In They helped us, the verb helped governs the objective case of the pronoun we.

to regulate the speed of (an engine) with a governor.

to exercise the function of government.

to have predominating influence.

verb

agree , comply , obey , surrender , yield , acquiesce , allow , consent , give way , permit

verb

administer , assume command , be in power , be in the driver’s seat , call the shots * , call the signals , captain * , carry out , command , conduct , control , dictate , direct , execute , exercise authority , guide , head , head up , hold dominion , hold office , hold sway , lay down the law , lead , manage , occupy throne , order , overrule , oversee , pilot , pull the strings , regulate , reign , render , run , serve the people , steer , superintend , supervise , sway , tyrannize , wear the crown , boss , bridle , check , contain , curb , decide , determine , directionalize , discipline , dispose , dominate , get the better of , handle , incline , inhibit , predispose , restrain , rule , shepherd , subdue , tame , underlie , administrate