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For example, Bob is not very high ranking in the company, but he is the safety manager. Bob tells Rich not to do something because it is not safe. Jim is Rich's boss and tells him to ignore Bob. Jim ______ Bob. Word or phrase would be great.
Edit: For clarity, I'm looking for a word that what Jim was wrong, or at least not cool, for doing what he did.
Perhaps a better example would be one parent tells a kid to do something and the other parent tells the kid they don't have to do it.
Jim overrules Bob.
Oxford Dictionaries says: "To reject or disallow by using one's superior authority."
Maybe you mean :
I know you are looking for a word that implies that interference isn't legitimate, but if you can't find any, I would suggest using an adverb such as "wrongfully".
I think meddle carries the negative connotation you are looking for:
(usually foll by with) to interfere officiously or annoyingly
to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere.
The Feee Dictionary
Jim subverted Bob.
Subvert : undermine the power or authority of (an established system or institution)
Jim sabotaged Bob's authority.
I haven't found a dictionary definition that makes this usage clear. But here's a nice example:
One of the worst things that you can do to your au pair is to sabotage her authority with your kids. (http://aupairmom.com/sabotage-your-au-pairs-authority-3-easy-ways/2009/03/08/celiaharquail/)
