Definition

1. Noun:

   • An official order that has the force of law: A "decree" is a formal and authoritative command or decision, often issued by a ruler, government, or court, that must be obeyed.
   • A judicial decision or order: In a legal context, a "decree" is a binding judgment or order issued by a court or judge, especially in equity.

2. Verb:

   • To order, command, or decide something authoritatively: To "decree" means to issue an official order or make a formal decision with authority.
   • To ordain or determine by fate or divine will: In a more formal or literary sense, to "decree" can mean to determine something as if by an unchangeable law or destiny.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The government issued a decree banning public gatherings.
  • The court's final decree granted custody to the mother.

• Verb:

  • The king decreed a day of national celebration.
  • Fate had decreed that their paths would never cross again.

Advanced Usage

• "To issue a decree": To formally proclaim or put out an official order.

  • The council issued a decree to raise taxes.

• "By decree": Done or established through an official order.

  • The law was established by royal decree.

• "Final decree": In law, a decree that settles all issues in a case and concludes the litigation.

  • The judge signed the final decree of divorce.

Variants and Related Words

• Decretal (n): A papal decree; historically, a decree or authoritative order.
• Decree nisi (n): A provisional decree of divorce, which becomes absolute after a specified period unless cause is shown against it.
• Decree absolute (n): The final and absolute decree of divorce.

Synonyms

• Noun: Edict, order, mandate, proclamation, ruling, fiat.
• Verb: Ordain, command, order, rule, dictate, proclaim.

Related Phrases

• Decree law (n): A law issued by a head of state or government without the approval of a legislature (often in contexts of emergency powers).
• Consent decree (n): A legal agreement, sanctioned by the court, that resolves a dispute between parties without an admission of guilt.

Idioms

• "To have the force of a decree": To be as authoritative and binding as an official order.
  • The manager's word in that company has the force of a decree.

Noun

1. a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
   • a friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there

Verb

1. decide with authority
   • The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed
2. issue a decree
   • The King only can decree