# veto

/ˈviˌtoʊ/ (US) · /vˈiːtəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/veto
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the right to block a law

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

### 3. to reject a proposal

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The committee vetoed the suggestion because it was too expensive.
- 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.

## Examples

- The president decided to use his veto on the new law.
- The mayor threatened to exercise her veto if the council did not increase the budget for public parks.
- The permanent members of the UN Security Council hold the power of veto, allowing any one of them to block a resolution regardless of international support.

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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.