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DictionaryvetoOfficial rejection
noun / verb

veto

VEE-toh/vˈitˌoʊ/

The power or act of blocking an official decision or proposal.

The governor uses her veto to block the new tax.

A senior government official blocks a bill already passed by the legislature, stamping its document 'REJECTED' while an aide presents it.
Etymology
vetoLatinto forbid

A form of vetare meaning 'I forbid' became the name for an official power to block a measure. The English verb means to exercise that power by authoritatively rejecting a decision or proposal.

In context

UC Berkeley Events49:54
President Trump threatened to veto a defense appropriation bill unless Congress change Section 230
Defending Against Disinformation

More examples

  • The mayor vetoes the council's proposal to raise parking fees.
  • Lawmakers need enough votes to override the president's veto.
  • One permanent member vetoed the UN resolution.

Forms

veto · vetoes · vetoed · vetoing

Similar words

reject
Means refusing approval, without necessarily exercising a formal blocking power.
block
Means preventing progress, whether through official authority or other means.