German word

Veto

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈveːtoː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounveto

Example

Der Präsident legte sein Veto gegen das Gesetz ein.

The president used his veto against the law.

Illustration for Veto (veto)

More examples

Der Vorstand hob das Veto eines Mitglieds auf.

The board lifted a member's veto.

Core concept

An authorized decision-maker places a formal stop on a measure before it can take effect.

Common phrases

  • Veto aufheben

    lift a veto

  • ein Veto einlegen

    exercise a veto

Similar words

Vetorecht: The recognized authority to stop a decision or measure from taking effect.

Definition in German

Das Recht einer Person oder Stelle, einen Beschluss formell zu blockieren.

Word origin

Veto comes from Latin veto, meaning 'I forbid', the first-person singular of vetare, and became a term for blocking power in political and legal language.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses ein Veto gegen etwas einlegen, with the preposition gegen introducing the blocked measure.

Opposites

Related words

  • Vetorechtveto rightnoun
  • vetoierenvetoverb

Word lists with this word