overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül 

ˌō-və-

overruled; overruling; overrules

transitive verb

1

: to rule over : govern

2

: to prevail over : overcome

3

a

: to rule against

b

: to set aside : reverse

Examples of overrule in a Sentence

The judge overruled the objection.

His conviction was overruled by the supreme court.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nor had the leaders’ group ever overruled a recommendation by the career experts. —David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

The Georgia Supreme Court overruled a Cobb County judge who had extended the deadline until 5pm on Friday, to compensate for the delay in sending out the ballots. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

In their letter to the DOJ, the election officials urged the agency to overrule concerns about appearing partisan. —Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2024

After support staff and others removed the debris from the field, the referees ended up overruling the PI call in favor of Texas. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overrule

verb

over·​rule -ˈrül 

1

: to decide against

the judge overruled the objection

2

: to reverse or set aside (a decision or ruling made by a lesser authority)

Legal Definition

overrule

transitive verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül 

1

: to rule against

the objection was overruled

compare sustain

2

a

: to rule against upon review by virtue of a higher authority : set aside, reverse

the appeals court overruled the trial court's decision

b

: to set aside as a precedent or guide

did not intend to overrule prior jurisprudence in that area

refused to overrule the landmark case

compare follow