1. to overturn or make void the holding (decision) of a prior case; generally accomplished in a different and subsequent case, when a courtrenders a decision that is substantially opposite the decision made in the prior case. A decision can be overruled only by the same court or a higher court within the same jurisdiction. The overruling of a decision generally destroys its value as precedent. Compare reversal.
2. to deny a motion, objection or other point raised to the court.