I. ˈvē(ˌ)tō, -ēd.(ˌ)ō sometimes -ēd.ə or (+V) -ēd.əw noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin, I forbid, 1st person singular present indicative of vetare to forbid
1. : an authoritative prohibition or negative : an act or instance of forbidding something proposed
mother's veto of our plans
2.
a. or veto power : a right or power possessed by one department or branch of a government to forbid or prohibit finally or provisionally the carrying out of projects attempted by another department ; especially : a power vested in a chief executive to prevent permanently or temporarily the enactment of measures passed by a legislature — see pocket veto , suspensive veto
b.
(1) : the exercise of such authority : an act of prohibition or prevention
a veto is probable if the bill passes
(2) or veto message : a document or message communicating the reasons of an executive (as the president of the United States) for not officially approving a proposed law
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to refuse to admit or approve : negative , prohibit ; also : to refuse assent to (a legislative bill) so as to prevent enactment or cause reconsideration