Verbs for Exercising Power

to have power over a person, company, country, etc. and to decide how things should be done

The CEO sought to control the company's strategic direction.

instructions or guidelines that determine how a game or sport is played

The rules of chess dictate how each piece moves.

to have control and authority over a place, like a country

The king reigned over the kingdom for decades, establishing a prosperous era.

to officially have the control and authority to rule over a country and manage its affairs

Elected leaders govern the nation, making decisions for the welfare of its citizens.

to act with excessive, unfair authority or harshness

For years, the governor had tyrannized over the people, making arbitrary decisions.

to place a crown on someone's head in a ceremony so that person officially becomes a king or queen

In the elaborate coronation ceremony, the Archbishop will crown the new monarch.

to force someone to do what they do not want

The authoritarian government tried to impose strict regulations on freedom of speech.

to have the power to completely or partially control someone or something

In the competitive business world, companies strive to dominate their market.

to make individuals to behave in a particular way

The company implemented new policies to enforce ethical behavior in the workplace.

to settle and build communities in new, often unexplored, areas

European powers sought to colonize distant lands during the Age of Exploration.

to invade or overwhelm with a large number, surpassing defenses

The enemy forces attempted to overrun the border, catching the defenders off guard.

to begin to be in charge of something, often previously managed by someone else

He hopes to take over the leadership role and guide the team to success.

to gain control of a place or people using armed forces

The army worked strategically to conquer the enemy's territory.

to gain control and governance over a person, group, or territory, often through conquest or forceful means

The emperor sought to subjugate neighboring lands, expanding his empire through conquest and control

to force someone into a condition of forced labor or work

Historical societies sometimes enslaved individuals captured in battle.

to wrongly take someone else's position, power, or right

In many tales, evil stepmothers attempt to usurp the rightful place of the princess.

to forcefully stop or crush something

The military was called in to quell the uprising and restore order.

an official choice made by an individual or a group of people in a meeting or election

In the upcoming election, citizens will cast their votes for mayor.

to choose a person for a specific job, particularly a political one, by voting

Citizens will elect a new mayor in the upcoming municipal elections.

a document listing the options or candidates used in voting

Voters received their ballot at the polling station.

to ask people specific questions to gather their opinions or preferences on a particular subject

The political candidate decided to poll potential voters to understand their concerns.

to assign or designate someone to a particular position or responsibility

The committee decided to nominate a candidate for the prestigious award.

a hunting expedition, typically involving an overland journey (especially in Africa)

The wealthy explorer funded a campaign to hunt big game in the Serengeti.

the area just inside the entrance of a public building such as a hotel, etc.

Guests gathered in the hotel lobby, waiting for the shuttle to the airport.

to passionately campaign or fight, often with a religious or moral purpose

The religious leader inspired followers to crusade against perceived heresies.

to write and submit an official written document

Last year, the citizens petitioned the local government to improve public transportation.

to make a system more open and fair, giving everyone a chance and involving more people

The nation decided to democratize its political system, allowing for free and fair elections.