What does overrode mean?
Overrode means to set aside, reverse, or disregard a previous decision, instruction, or restriction. The verb is used when a person or body with sufficient authority acts against an earlier decision, as in a committee overruling a chair or a government minister overriding a subordinate's ruling. It can also mean to give one consideration greater importance than another, as when practicality overrides aesthetic preference. The word is fully standard in British and American English and often carries a formal, consequential tone because it implies that an established decision has been decisively set aside. Its past-tense form can be used both to narrate a completed reversal and to form the passive or perfect constructions “was overrode” and “has overrode,” although the latter is less common than “was overridden” and “has overridden.”
verbOverrode is the past tense and past participle of override, meaning to decide against a previous decision, instruction, or authority. It can also mean to place something above another thing in importance or effect.
- To set aside, reverse, or disregard a previous decision, instruction, or authority.
- To supersede something by giving it greater importance, priority, or effect.
"The committee overrode the chair's decision and approved the proposal."
"The president overrode the earlier ruling and released the records."
"The practical benefits of the new system overrode the concerns about cost."
From the literal idea of riding over something, override grew into a word for decisively setting aside an earlier decision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overrode come from?
The verb override combines the prefix over- with ride, historically suggesting riding over or passing above something that would otherwise block the way. The modern sense of setting aside a decision developed from the idea of overriding a person, rule, or authority. Its cognate and related forms include override, overrule, and overturn, all involving the prefix over- and the idea of authority or precedence.
Related word forms
How overrode is actually used
Overrode is the past tense and past participle of override. It is standard in formal and informal contexts, though its use often implies a formal reversal or assertion of superior authority.
Easily confused with overrode
Overrule generally means to reject or reverse a decision or order, whereas override can additionally mean to give something greater priority or to place it above another consideration.