govern

verb

1. bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations

   verb.social

   Synonyms order regularise regularize regulate

   Antonyms deregulate

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. direct or strongly influence the behavior of

   verb.social

   Examples

   His belief in God governs his conduct.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. exercise authority over; as of nations

   verb.social

   Examples

   Who is governing the country now?

   Synonyms rule

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. require to be in a certain grammatical case, voice, or mood

   verb.stative

   Examples

   Most transitive verbs govern the accusative case in German.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men, either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to regulate by authority.

   verb

   Source: webster1913

6. To exercise authority; to administer the laws; to have the control.

   verb

   Source: webster1913