verb Uncommon

override

oh-vuh-RYD

Override (verb) means to take priority over, or cancel out, an existing decision, rule, or system. Example: “The manager overrode the automated pricing to give the customer a discount.”

verb

To take priority over, or cancel out, an existing decision, rule, or system.

"The manager overrode the automated pricing to give the customer a discount."

"A safety officer can override the system in an emergency."

In programming, to replace an inherited method with a new version of the same name.

"The subclass overrides the parent's "draw" method."

noun

A mechanism or command used to take manual control over something automatic.

"There's a manual override for the elevator in case of a power cut."

How to Use Override

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo take control away from an automatic system, rule, or decision, and replace it with your own.

Common pairings

manual override override a decision override the system

Word Forms

overrode past tense, overridden past tense, overrides plural, overrides singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “override” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A safety officer can _____ the system in an emergency.

Etymology

From Old English oferrīdan ("to ride over"), built from over- + ride; German überreiten is a cognate.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

View more →

reverse overthrow overturn overrule nullification

Related Words

fall revolution opposite blow destroy reverse flip coup

Rhymes for override

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide abide slide bride guide

See all rhymes for override →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “override” mean?

The word “override” means to take priority over, or cancel out, an existing decision, rule, or system. In plain terms, to take control away from an automatic system, rule, or decision, and replace it with your own.

How do you pronounce “override”?

“Override” is pronounced oh-vuh-RYD (/oʊ.vɚˈɹaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “override” in a sentence?

Here is “override” used in a sentence: “A safety officer can override the system in an emergency.”

What part of speech is “override”?

Depending on how it is used, “override” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “override” come from?

The word “override” comes from Old English. From Old English oferrīdan ("to ride over"), built from over- + ride; German überreiten is a cognate.

Is “override” a common word?

“Override” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “override” have?

“Override” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take priority over, or cancel out, an existing decision, rule, or system.

Featured In

Vocabulary lists that include override:

Words That Start With O

People Also Searched

fall revolution opposite blow destroy reverse flip coup