To control the actions or behavior of:

Governed. Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects. To control the speed of (a machine) especially by automatic means. To exercise a directing or restraining influence over;

Princeton's wordnet (3.50 / 6 votes) rate this definition: Govern verb (rule) b2 [ i or t ] to control and direct the public business of a country, city, group of people, etc.: To control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of.

The motives governing a decision. To make and administer the public policy and affairs of (a state, for example); The motives governing a decision.

5.5 penalty clauses (clauses pénales), and similar clauses on damages or liquidated damages, as governed by article 1152 and articles 1226 et seq. Of the luxembourg civil code are allowed. Governing law this agreement is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, english law.

( ˈɡʌvən) vb ( mainly tr) 1. This agreement shall he governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state of israel. He accused the opposition party of being unfit to govern.

The body of people who are citizens of a particular government. Verb (used with object) to rule over by right of authority: • governed (noun) sense 1.