What does VETO mean? What is the meaning of Veto? - English word definition

You know I love explaining new words to you and today is no exception.

Today's word is...'Veto'.

As a noun the word 'veto' relates to the constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a lawmaking body or organisation.

'Constitutional' means 'legitimate' or within the laws of a country.

There are many examples of a veto being enforced,

such as by a leader of a country who rejects a proposal that would otherwise stand up or be allowed in law.

To veto a decision is to reject it. You might say that to 'veto' is to 'throw out' the decision or proposal.

A rejection by right of veto can be carried out by or against the leader of a country.

That is to say, one nation can veto another's decision or proposal.

A leader can veto laws or bills passed against them too.

''President Obama vetoed a bill last night, aimed at repealing his signature healthcare laws.''

To 'veto' or (to have) 'vetoed' are the verb forms of this word.

Any ban or prohibition can be defined as a veto.

The word 'veto' originates from Latin and literally means 'I forbid'.

V E T O veto.