Veto
/ˈviːtoʊ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The power or right vested in one branch of government to reject measures proposed by another branch.
The president exercised his veto to block the legislation.
An authoritative prohibition or rejection.
Her veto on the project meant that it could not move forward.
verb
To reject or prohibit a decision or proposal.
The committee decided to veto the proposal for a new park.
To exercise the power of veto.
He vowed to veto any bill that would increase taxes.
Etymology
Latin 'veto' meaning 'I forbid'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
presidential veto
The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.
veto power
The authority to reject or overrule decisions.
line-item veto
The power of an executive to nullify specific provisions of a bill.
Related Words
approve
To accept or agree to something.
legislation
Laws or regulations proposed or enacted by a governing body.
amend
To make changes to a document, usually a law or bill.
Slang Meanings
To disapprove of something informally.
I totally vetoed that idea during the meeting.
To shut down a conversation or proposal in a casual way.
When she suggested going out, I just vetoed it.