The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - governv.

1) rule, control, direct, reign, hold sway (over) , lead, conduct, guide, manage, regulate, run, supervise, superintend, oversee, steer, captain, pilot, command, head (up) , look after, sit on the throne, wield the sceptre, wear the crown, run the show, be in power, be in charge (of) , exercise or wield power or control (over) , have or hold the whip hand, Colloq wear the pants, be in the saddle or driver's seat: Catherine governed with an iron hand. 2) control, check, bridle, curb, master, subdue, restrain, contain, hold in, suppress, repress: You must govern the urge to scream out.