# overridden

/ˈoʊvɝˈɹɪdən/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəɹˈɪdən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overridden
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to cancel or replace a decision, rule, or automatic setting because someone with more power chooses something else.

For teachers: past participle of 'override'; to set aside a decision, rule, or automatic setting by higher authority or manual intervention.

## Examples

- They have overridden the old rule with a new one.
- The pilot has overridden the autopilot to land the plane manually in the storm.
- After hours of debate, the committee's cautious plan was overridden by the director, who insisted on a bolder approach.

## Pitfalls

- Not "has overrode the system" but "has overridden the system" — Overrode is the simple past; overridden is the past participle used after 'have' and in passives.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.