reign
UK: reɪn | US: reɪn
n. the period during which a sovereign rules
v.i. to hold royal office; to rule as a monarch
v.i. (figurative) to dominate or prevail (e.g., "Chaos reigned after the storm.")
The word "reign" traces back to the Latin regnum (kingdom, rule), derived from rex (king). It entered English via Old French reigne, retaining the core idea of sovereign authority. Unlike "rule" (from Latin regula), "reign" specifically emphasizes the temporal span or dominance of power, whether literal (monarchy) or metaphorical (e.g., "reign of terror"). The silent "g" reflects its French influence, distinguishing it from related words like "regal."
Queen Elizabeth II's reign lasted over 70 years.
Peace reigned in the valley after the treaty was signed.
The emperor reigned with absolute authority.
During the 1920s, jazz music reigned supreme.
Silence reigned in the courtroom as the verdict was read.