rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydecreeOfficial order
noun / verb

decree

dih-KREE/dɪˈkriː/

An authoritative order or decision, or the act of issuing one.

The judge issues a decree to the waiting clerk.

A robed judge formally issues a sealed legal document across the bench to a court clerk, making the authoritative written instrument the focal point.
Etymology
deLatinoff, away
+creeLatinto separate, distinguish

The root meaning “separate” developed into distinguishing and deciding. A decree is a decision given authoritative force: not merely a judgment, but an official order.

In context

Calvary Chapel Chino Valley41:02
he arose from his throne laid aside his robe covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes and he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king
Jonah 2-3 "Jonah's Second Chance"

More examples

  • The ruler decreed a holiday.
  • Several decrees changed the law.
  • Officials are decreeing new limits.

Forms

decree · decrees · decreed · decreeing

Similar words

edict
A formal authoritative proclamation.
ruling
A decision, especially from a court.