1. to officially control and make decisions for a country, state, or organization
2. to control or strongly influence someone’s actions or behavior
3. to control or determine how something works or happens

Examples

• The president governs the country with the help of Congress.
• A mayor governs the city and makes important decisions.
• Fear often governs people’s choices in dangerous situations.
• Logic should govern your decision-making process.
• The law of gravity governs how objects fall to Earth.
• Traffic lights govern the flow of cars at intersections.
• The school board governs all educational policies in the district.