behest

American  

[bih-hest] / bɪˈhɛst /

noun

1. a command or directive.

   Synonyms:

   mandate, dictate, decree, bidding, order

2. an earnest or strongly worded request.

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behest British  

/ bɪˈhɛst /

noun

1. an authoritative order or earnest request

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Etymology

Origin of behest

before 1000; Middle English bihest ( e ), Old English behǣs promise. See be-, hest

Explanation

Behest is an authoritative command or request. If your boss or principal asks to see you, you go to their office at their behest. Behest rhymes with "request" and they almost mean the same thing, if you give your request a little authoritative oomph, just a tad bit of "or else." Another difference between these words is that you can't use behest as a verb: You can't behest someone. You act according to their behest. The root word here is the Old English hehaes, means "a vow."