veto
To formally reject or prohibit a proposed action or decision
Examples
In a meeting
“The CEO may veto any acquisition that doesn't align with our strategy.”
Over coffee
“My partner vetoed the idea of getting another dog.”
Why this word
reject
Veto is the constitutional power to formally block legislation, while reject simply means refusing to accept something
refuse
Veto is an official exercise of executive authority to prevent a bill from becoming law, while refuse is any declining to do something
block
Veto is a specific constitutional power to prohibit legislation, while block broadly means preventing something from proceeding
Usage tip
Use when someone with authority blocks a decision. Can be formal (government) or informal (team decisions). Implies power to stop something completely.
Etymology
Latin 'veto' (I forbid) from 'vetare' (forbid) — literally 'I forbid'
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
mandate
An official order or requirement to do something; to officially require.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it