definition of
govern

[1] #1 govern v. [regulate, regularize, regularise, order] bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations; "We cannot regulate the way people dress"; "This town likes to regulate". wn

[2] #2 govern v. direct or strongly influence the behavior of; "His belief in God governs his conduct". wn

[3] #3 govern v. [rule] exercise authority over; as of nations; "Who is governing the country now?". wn

[4] #4 govern v. require to be in a certain grammatical case, voice, or mood; "most transitive verbs govern the accusative case in German". wn