What does overridden mean?
To override something is to set aside a rule, decision, instruction, or earlier choice because a more authoritative or pressing consideration takes priority. The word is especially common in legal and administrative writing, as when an official decision overrides a recommendation or a superior authority overrides a subordinate instruction. In technical contexts, it can mean that a specific setting or command supersedes a default value. The past participle form describes something that has been disregarded or made ineffective: an overridden decision or an overridden objection. The word conveys deliberate authority rather than accidental conflict. It is related to “overrule,” but “override” is broader and often applies to rules, priorities, settings, and competing claims as well as formal decisions.
To disregard or supersede a rule, decision, instruction, or claim by using greater authority or priority.
"The governor overrode the local board's decision."
Common in legal, administrative, organizational, and technical contexts.
Having been disregarded, superseded, or prevented from taking effect.
"The original proposal was overridden by an emergency amendment."
This form is the past participle used attributively.
An override is power exercised by exception: the higher authority wins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of overridden
The word combines the prefix “over-” with “ride,” originally evoking passing above or across something in order to control its direction. Its modern sense developed by analogy with authority or precedence: one authority or rule takes precedence over another. The related verb “overrule” follows a similar semantic path, while “overwrite” reflects the older physical sense of writing across an existing inscription.
Related word forms
How overridden is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in legal, administrative, technical, and organizational contexts. It often implies that a higher authority or more important rule takes precedence.
Easily confused with overridden
Overrule usually means to reject or overturn a decision by authority, while override more broadly means to supersede or disregard something.
Override means to take precedence over a rule or decision, whereas overwrite means to replace existing data or text with new content.