rule
UK[ruːl]US[ruːl]
n
an official instruction that says how things must be done or what is allowed, especially in a game, organization, or job
n
the government of a country or control of a group of people
v
to have official control over a country and its people
v
to make an official decision about something, especially a legal matter
Etymology
The word 'rule' entered English in the late 13th century from Old French 'riule', 'reule', which itself came from Latin 'regula', meaning a straight stick, bar, or pattern. This Latin term is derived from the verb 'regere', meaning 'to direct, guide, keep straight'. The core concept evolved from the literal idea of a straightedge used for measuring or drawing lines to a metaphorical standard for conduct or government. The Proto-Indo-European root reg-, meaning 'to move in a straight line', is the ultimate source, linking the modern abstract notions of control and regulation to the ancient, concrete idea of straightening or guiding.
Analysis
The word 'rule' is a simplex word derived from a single, indivisible root.
Examples
The school has a strict rule against using mobile phones in class.
For many years, the country was ruled by a military dictatorship.
The judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible.