To use power or authority to reject, overrule, or cancel a decision; or a system that allows this to happen.
From 'over-' (above, beyond) plus 'ride' (to move on horseback, or to continue moving despite obstacles). This compound emerged in the 16th century, originally meaning to ride over something, evolving to mean metaphorically going beyond or ignoring something.
The 'emergency override' is a science fiction staple, but real systems like voting with a veto or accessing a locked door with a master key show the word describes a crucial power dynamic—who gets to say 'no' to the 'no.'
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