decree

1 of 2

noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

1

: an order usually having the force of law

a judicial decree

by royal decree

2

a

: a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head

a papal decree

b

: a foreordaining will

God's decree

3

a

: a judicial decision of the Roman emperor

b

: a judicial decision especially in an equity (see equity sense 3a) court or probate court

decree

2 of 2

verb

decreed; decreeing

transitive verb

1

: to command or enjoin by or as if by decree

decree an amnesty

2

: to determine or order judicially

decree a punishment

intransitive verb

: ordain

decreer

di-ˈkrē-ər 

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• behest
• charge
• command
• commandment
• dictate
• direction
• directive
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• instruction
• order
• word

Verb

• call
• command
• dictate
• direct
• mandate
• ordain
• order

Examples of decree in a Sentence

Noun

The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday.

Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.

Verb

The government decreed a national holiday.

The change was decreed by the President.

The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The decree also establishes a 50% limit of occupation for a single pic – usually a U.S. blockbuster – in an exhibitor’s circuit. —Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

In recent years, Carey has tended to wait at least one month longer to make her seasonal Christmas decree, usually posting some cheeky visual promptly on Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

Verb

And while the Saltburn star’s petite accessory looks neat in its singular position, trinkets follow the messy-bag diktat decreed by Miuccia Prada for spring 2024. —Alice Newbold, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2024

Newsom had decreed that more than 50% of new vehicles sold in 2028 must be electric, and 100% by 2035. —Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide, from de- + cernere to sift, decide — more at certain

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing decree

• by decree
• consent decree
• decree-law
• papal decree
• royal decree

Kids Definition

decree

1 of 2 noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

: an order or decision given by one in authority

decree

2 of 2 verb

decreed; decreeing

: to command or order by decree

Legal Definition

decree

noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

1

: an order having the force of law

by judicial decree

2

: a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court

broadly : judgment

divorce decree

interlocutory decree

— consent decree

: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision

specifically : such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt

— decree nisi decrees nisi

: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not

Note: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).

— decree pro confesso

: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed compare default judgment at judgment sense 1a

— final decree

: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including especially the parties' rights compare final judgment at judgment sense 1a

— interlocutory decree

: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute

decree verb

Etymology

Noun

Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide