Pronunciation: [vˈiːtə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
Vetoes, spelled /vɛˈtəʊz/, is the plural form of veto, which means to reject or forbid. Its spelling follows the phonological rules of English, where the letter "e" after the consonant "t" creates a long vowel sound for "o". In IPA phonetic transcription, this is shown as /oʊ/ which makes the word sound like "vay-tohz". Vetoes are commonly used in political contexts, where a leader or governing body can veto a decision made by others.
Vetoes refer to the plural form of the noun "veto." A veto is a constitutional or procedural power held by an individual, typically a high-ranking government official, to reject or block a decision or legislative action. It is the act of using this power to prohibit or prevent the implementation or passing of a proposed law, resolution, or action.
In governmental and legislative contexts, a veto is often exercised by the head of state, such as a president or a monarch, or by a designated executive authority such as a governor or a mayor. When an official issues a veto, they effectively nullify or reject the legislation in question, ensuring it does not become a binding law. The veto power can be invoked for a variety of reasons, including the belief that the proposed legislation contradicts the interests of the government, infringes upon constitutional principles, or is not aligned with the executive's policy preferences.
Vetoes are an essential part of separation of powers in democratic systems, serving as a check and balance against potential abuses by the legislative branch. It provides the executive with a means of safeguarding their authority and influencing the decision-making process. The use of vetoes can provoke debates, negotiations, and compromises between the executive and legislative branches, ensuring the government functions within a system of checks and balances.
• The right possessed by the executive power of a state, as by a king, a president, or a governor, to reject the laws or propositions passed or promoted by the legislative assemblies of the state; any authoritative pro hibition.
• To forbid or disallow; to withhold assent, as to a bill for a law.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "veto" originated from Latin and has its roots in the verb "vetare", which means "to forbid". In ancient Roman law, the term "intercessio" was used to describe the power of a tribune to veto or obstruct the actions of magistrates or other officials. The term was later adopted and anglicized into "veto" to describe the power of one individual to reject or prohibit a decision or proposal made by others. Over time, "veto" has come to be associated with the authority of a person, typically a ruler, to block or reject a decision, law, or resolution. The plural form "vetoes" simply indicates multiple instances of exercising this power of rejection.
