noun
decree
dih-KREE
noun
1
An official order or law issued by an authority.
"The king issued a decree banning the export of grain."
2
A formal ruling handed down by a court, especially in matters of equity, admiralty, or probate.
"The couple's divorce became final once the decree was granted."
verb
1
To officially order or command something.
"The government decreed a nationwide curfew during the emergency."
How to Use Decree
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, official command or ruling — from a ruler, government, or court.
Common pairings
issue a decree
royal decree
decree nisi
Word Forms
decreed past tense, decrees plural, decrees singular
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The king issued a _____ banning the export of grain.
Etymology
From Old French decré (French décret), from Latin dēcrētum.