reign

[reɪn]

reign Definition

  • 1to rule as a queen or king
  • 2a period of time during which someone rules as a queen or king

Using reign: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reign" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 68 years.

  • Example

    The reign of King Henry VIII was marked by political and religious turmoil.

  • Example

    The team's reign as champions came to an end this year.

  • Example

    He was determined to reign supreme in the business world.

reign Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for reign

Idioms Using reign

  • to allow someone to do what they want without any limits or restrictions

    Example

    The manager gave her employees free reign to come up with new ideas for the project.

  • reign supreme

    to be the most powerful or successful

    Example

    Their team has reigned supreme in the league for the past three years.

  • a period of time during which someone rules as a queen or king that is shorter than usual

    Example

    King Edward VIII's reign was a short one, lasting only 326 days.

Phrases with reign

  • a period of violence and fear during which a government or other group uses extreme measures to control people

    Example

    The country experienced a reign of terror under the dictator's regime.

  • to limit or control something or someone

    Example

    The company had to reign in their spending to avoid bankruptcy.

  • the longest period of time that someone has ruled as a queen or king

    Example

    Queen Victoria's reign was the longest in British history.

Origins of reign

from Old French 'regner', from Latin 'regnare', meaning 'to reign'

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Summary: reign in Brief

The verb 'reign' [reɪn] means to rule as a queen or king, while the noun refers to a period of such rule. The term is often used in historical contexts, such as 'The reign of King Henry VIII,' but also in contemporary contexts, like 'The team's reign as champions.' Phrases like 'reign of terror' and idioms like 'give free reign' extend the term's meaning to periods of extreme control or freedom.

How do native speakers use this expression?