decree

7 definitions • 11 examples

an official statement that something must happen:

The decree stopped short of a full declaration of independence.

by decree More than 200 people were freed by military decree.

issue a decree The government has extensive powers to issue emergency decrees.

to officially decide or order that something must happen:

They decreed an end to discrimination on grounds of age.

[ + that ] After the earthquake, the government decreed that all new buildings must be built according to the new standards.

an order or statement of an official decision:

He refused to carry out the board’s decree.

a judgment that is made in a court of law:

In December a court decree ended the strike.

an official statement that something must happen, made by a leader, government, etc.:

The Dutch government issued a decree laying down strict rules on the age of veal calves and how they should be housed.

rule/legislate by decree

to make a judgment in a court of law:

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling decreed that apparel manufacturers - not the retailers themselves - could control the minimum sale price of products.

to officially state that something will happen:

Several countries have lured back untaxed assets held abroad by decreeing an amnesty for tax evasion.