What does "veto" mean?

1. (the right to block a law) the official power to stop a law or decision from being passed. 2. (to reject a proposal) to refuse to allow a bill, plan, or idea to go forward.

How do you use "veto"?

Often used with the verbs 'exercise', 'use', or 'apply'. This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

veto

n. · v.

US //ˈviˌtoʊ// UK //vˈiːtəʊ// ve·to

1 the right to block a law (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

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

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

Example

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

Example

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 to reject a proposal (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

Example

The committee vetoed the suggestion because it was too expensive.

Example

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.
- reject
- block
- turn down
- approve
- authorise

Origin

From Latin vetō (“I forbid”).