# overrule

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌəʊ.vəˈɹuːl/ · frequency rank #40,376

## Definitions
1. To rule over; to govern or determine by superior authority.
2. To rule or determine in a contrary way; to decide against; to abrogate or alter.
3. To nullify a previous ruling by a higher power.
4. To dismiss or throw out (a protest or objection) at a court.

## Etymology
From over- + rule.

## Easily confused with
- **overrun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overrule-vs-overrun)
- **overuse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overrule-vs-overuse)
- **overture** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overrule-vs-overture)
- **overdue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/overdue-vs-overrule)
- **override** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/override-vs-overrule)

## Common misspellings (9)
`oevrrule`, `overrlue`, `overruel`, `overrulle`, `overule`, `overurle`, `ovrerule`, `ovverrule`, `voerrule`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/overrule