WordGarden.iooverride
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌəʊvərˈaɪd/
US
- /ˈoʊvərˌraɪd/
Meanings
Verb
to use official or higher authority to overrule a veto, decision, or rule
to replace or bypass an automatic, default, or programmed system action
to matter more than something else and take precedence over it
Noun
a control, setting, or command that bypasses a default or automatic system behavior
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're steering a boat on autopilot, but you see an obstacle ahead and grab the wheel to turn away—you have overridden the system! To override something is to take manual control, bypass a rule, or cancel a command that was already in place. It is like using a manual lever to open an electric gate during a power outage.
You might override a computer's default settings to customize your display, or a manager might override a staff member's decision to keep a project on track. Sometimes, your instincts override your logic; you might "just know" a situation is unsafe even if you can't explain why. The word suggests that a stronger authority, rule, or force takes priority over what was already happening.
To override means to set aside, overrule, or replace a previous decision, rule, setting, or action. It suggests that one person, system, or force has enough power or priority to take the place of another. A classic example appears in politics: "The president vetoed the bill, but Congress was able to override the veto with a two-thirds majority." In this case, the legislative branch has the authority to defeat the executive's rejection.
The term is also common in technical and engineering fields. In computer programming, a coder might override a standard function to give a program custom behavior. Similarly, a safety mechanism in a factory might override normal operations if sensors detect dangerous pressure changes. It often means leaving the default path and forcing a more urgent, specific, or controlled action instead.
Beyond machines and law, "override" can describe how one force becomes stronger than another in everyday life. For example, "Her sense of duty overrode her desire to stay home" means her commitment was stronger than her wish to rest. Or, "The urgent need for food overrode their concerns about the weather." In every case, the idea is the same: something more powerful, more important, or more urgent takes control over what came before.
Examples
- 1
Work schedule
The manager can override the schedule if someone is sick.
- 2
Software settings
You can override the default settings and choose your own password rules.
- Phraseoverride the default settings
choose something different from the system's normal settings
- 3
Legal decision
The court overrode the earlier decision and allowed the case to continue.
- 4
Emergency priority
In an emergency, safety must override cost.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Poor judgment
She tried to stay calm, but anger overrode her better judgment.
- Patternoverride someone's better judgment
make them act less wisely than usual
- 6
Veto power
Congress voted to override the president's veto.
- Domainoverride a veto
pass a law even after a leader has rejected it
- 7
Manual control
The machine has a manual override in case the automatic system fails.
- Phrasemanual override
a control that lets a person take control
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- override a decision
- override a veto
- override a setting
- manual override
Word family
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Forms and spellings
9 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- overrideverbnoun
Forms
- over-riding-ing formverbnoun
- over-ridesverbnoun
- over-rodepast tenseverbnoun
- over-riddenpast participleverbnoun
- overriding-ing formverbnoun
- overridesverbnoun
- overriddenpast participleverbnoun
- overrodepast tenseverbnoun