noun / verb
mandate
MAN-dayt/ˈmændeɪt/
A formal charge authorizing action for a stated purpose.
The mayor gives the public works leader a mandate to proceed with the bridge project.
Etymology
The Latin verb behind mandate probably combines “hand” and “give,” picturing something placed in a person's hands or entrusted to that person's charge. From that sense came a commission or authoritative order.
In context
that customers show proof of vaccination in order to enter restaurants gyms and theaters it was a mix of hardcore anti-vaxxers people who are okay with vaccines but hated the mandate
More examples
- The court's mandate requires the company to restore the wetlands.
- State law mandates annual safety inspections.
- The mayor sees her victory as a mandate to improve transit.
Forms
mandate · mandates · mandated · mandating
mandatory adjective — Required by an official rule or order.
Similar words
- directive
- Emphasizes specific official instructions rather than broader authority to act.
- authorization
- Grants permission to act without necessarily requiring action.