First Known Use: 1629
Dictionary
1veto
noun ve·to \ˈvē-(ˌ)tō\
: a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something (such as a new law)
: the right or power of a person in authority to decide that something (such as a new law) will not be approved
plural vetoes
Full Definition of VETO
1
: an authoritative prohibition : interdiction
2
a : a power of one department or branch of a government to forbid or prohibit finally or provisionally the carrying out of projects attempted by another department; especially : a power vested in a chief executive to prevent permanently or temporarily the enactment of measures passed by a legislature b (1) : the exercise of such authority (2) : a message communicating the reasons of an executive and especially the president of the United States for vetoing a proposed law
See veto defined for English-language learners
See veto defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VETO
Latin, I forbid, from vetare to forbid
Related to VETO
- Synonyms
- ban, embargo, interdict, interdiction, proscription, prohibition
- Antonyms
- prescription
Other Government and Politics Terms
2veto
verb
: to reject (a proposed law) officially : to refuse to allow (a bill) to become a law
: to refuse to allow or accept (something, such as a plan or suggestion)
ve·toedve·to·ing
Full Definition of VETO
transitive verb
: to refuse to admit or approve : prohibit; also : to refuse assent to (a legislative bill) so as to prevent enactment or cause reconsideration
— ve·to·er \-ˌtō-ər\ noun
See veto defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of VETO
1706
Other Government and Politics Terms
VETO[1] Defined for Kids
1veto
noun ve·to \ˈvē-tō\
plural vetoes
Definition of VETO for Kids
1
: the act of forbidding something by a person in authority
2
: the power of a president, governor, or mayor to prevent something from becoming law
2veto
verb
ve·toedve·to·ing
Definition of VETO for Kids
2
: to prevent from becoming law by use of the power to do so
Learn More About VETO
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: veto–proofPrevious Word in the Dictionary: vetkousieAll Words Near: veto
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up veto? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).