noun
diktat
dik-TAT/dɪkˈtæt/
An order imposed without consultation or choice.
The director's diktat leaves employees no say in their schedules.
Etymology
A dictatum was something said or dictated. Diktat entered English for a harsh peace settlement imposed by a victor, giving the broader sense of an order that leaves no room for consent.
In context
ring fence funding for projects through Holyrood diktat. No longer can local authorities focus on local solutions to local problems; instead, they have their hands tied behind their backs with ring-fenced funding for national projects.
More examples
- Staff members resent the new dress code imposed by diktat.
- The council rejects the governor's diktat and demands a public hearing.
- Her sudden diktats leave little room for discussion.
Forms
diktat · diktats