English Reference
noun · verb

veto

n. · v.
US /ˈviˌtoʊ/ UK /vˈiːtəʊ/ ve·to UK spelling vetoed, vetoes, vetoing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    n.the official power to stop a law or decision from being passed.

    n.the constitutional right or power of one branch of government to reject a bill or measure passed by another branch.

    Simple

    The president decided to use his veto to stop the new tax law.

    In context

    The executive branch exercised its power of veto, returning the proposed legislation to the senate with a list of specific objections.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'exercise', 'use', or 'apply'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to refuse to allow a bill, plan, or idea to go forward.

    v.to exercise a right of veto against a proposal or to authoritatively forbid a planned course of action.

    Simple

    The committee vetoed the suggestion because it was too expensive.

    In context

    The board of directors ultimately vetoed the merger, citing concerns over the long-term stability of the partner firm.

    Usage

    This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

On Wednesday, the bill, which was passed by New York City’s City Council, automatically became law because the mayor had opted not to veto it.

Al Jazeera· 20 Aug 2026

It was ultimately vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Al Jazeera· 22 Aug 2026

From Latin vetō (“I forbid”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin vetō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated