ruled

5 definitions • 9 examples

past simple and past participle of

to control or be the person in charge of something such as a country:

Most modern kings and queens rule (their countries) only in a formal way, without real power.

She rules her household with an iron hand/fist (= severely).

to be the most important and controlling influence on someone:

Love ruled supreme in her heart.

The desperate desire to go to Moscow ruled their lives.

to decide officially:

Only the Appeal Court can rule on this point.

The judge ruled for/in favour of/against the defendant.

[ + that ] The government has ruled that the refugees must be deported.

[ + obj + noun/adj ] The courts have ruled his brave action illegal.

to draw a straight line using something that has a straight edge:

She ruled two red lines under the title.