/ ˈviːtəʊ; NAmE -toʊ/ noun , verb
■ noun ( pl. -oes )
1.
[ C , U ] the right to refuse to allow sth to be done, especially the right to stop a law from being passed or a decision from being taken :
The British government used its veto to block the proposal.
to have the power / right of veto
the use of the presidential veto
2.
[ C ] veto (on sth) an occasion when sb refuses to allow sth to be done
SYN ban :
For months there was a veto on employing new staff.
■ verb ( ve·toes , veto·ing , ve·toed , ve·toed ) [ vn ]
1.
to stop sth from happening or being done by using your official authority (= by using your veto ) :
Plans for the dam have been vetoed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
2.
to refuse to accept or do what sb has suggested
SYN rule out :
I wanted to go camping but the others quickly vetoed that idea.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin , literally I forbid , used by Roman tribunes of the people when opposing measures of the Senate.