rule

/ruːl/
verb
  1. To have control or authority over a country, group, or area.
    • The emperor ruled with an iron fist.
    • The tribe was ruled by a council of elders.
    • The queen ruled the kingdom wisely for many years.
  2. To make an official decision about something.
    • The referee ruled the goal invalid.
    • The committee ruled in favor of the new policy.
    • The judge ruled that the evidence could not be used.
  3. To be the most important or powerful influence in a situation.
    • His love for music ruled his life.
    • Fashion trends rule the industry.
    • In this house, common sense rules.
Antonyms
noun
  1. An official instruction that tells you what you must or must not do.
    • The school has a rule against running in the hallways.
    • The company's rules require employees to wear safety goggles.
    • You must follow the rules of the game to play fairly.
  2. A statement about what usually happens in a particular situation.
    • There is no hard rule about how long you should exercise each day.
    • The rule of thumb is to save at least ten percent of your income.
    • As a general rule, plants need sunlight to grow.
  3. The government or control of a country or group of people.
    • The people demanded democratic rule.
    • The king's rule lasted for over fifty years.
    • The country was under foreign rule for many years.
  4. A straight tool used for measuring or drawing lines.
    • The carpenter measured the wood with a metal rule.
    • A 12-inch rule is handy for small projects.
    • She used a rule to draw a straight line on the paper.
Antonyms
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