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
1
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."
2
In programming, to replace an inherited method with a new version of the same name.
"The subclass overrides the parent's "draw" method."
noun
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- overrides
- Third person singular
- overrides
- Past tense
- overrode, overridden
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.
Related words
Rhymes for override
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.
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