lexicow

override

/ˌoʊvərˈraɪd//ˌəʊvəˈraɪd/·verb
A flywheel spins steadily under its own drive. Then a brake shoe clamps down on the rim: the wheel grinds against it, throwing sparks, and is forced to a dead stop and held there. The instant the brake lifts, the wheel spins straight back up to speed. The drive never stopped wanting to turn; it was only overpowered and held — which is the whole reason the brake has to stay clamped down.
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Definition

To override is to overrule — to set aside an existing rule, decision, or automatic process by force of higher authority. A manual switch overrides the autopilot; a court overrides a lower ruling; a strong instinct can override reason. From 'ride over', it carries the sense of one force riding straight over another and taking control. What is overridden is not destroyed but suspended: it would still run the moment the stronger signal stepped away, which is exactly why an override has to be held in place.

Examples

  • The pilot hit the manual control to override the autopilot before it could deviate further.
  • A new safety rule can override the old one, leaving the earlier procedure obsolete.
  • Management overrode the committee's objection without offering any explanation.

Collocations

override the decision·a manual override·override the system·override an objection

Synonyms

overrule·supersede·countermand·veto·nullify

Antonyms

uphold·defer to·comply with

Word family

override (noun)·overriding (adjective)

In TOEFL & IELTS

Common in TOEFL passages on technology and governance and useful in IELTS as a strong verb for authority ('the minister can override local councils'). It works as a noun too ('a manual override'). Keep the stress on the last syllable for the verb, and pair it with 'decision', 'system' and 'objection'.