edict

[ee-dikt]

noun

1. a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority.

   Synonyms: pronouncement, dictum

2. any authoritative proclamation or command.

edict

/ ˈiːdɪkt /

noun

1. a decree, order, or ordinance issued by a sovereign, state, or any other holder of authority

2. any formal or authoritative command, proclamation, etc

Other Word Forms

• edictal adjective
• edictally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of edict¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Latin ēdictum, noun use of neuter of ēdictus (past participle of ēdīcere “to give public notice, proclaim”), equivalent to ē- + dictus “said”; e- ¹, dictum

Word History and Origins

Origin of edict¹

C15: from Latin ēdictum, from ēdīcere to declare

Example Sentences

Taliban officials then described the face veil edict as "advice".

Read more on BBC

A state edict, if it holds up in court, would require drilling and pumping to stop by the end of the decade.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He made a big wager on natural gas when prices were in the gutter, and he has funded Comstock’s exploration at a time when its rivals are sticking with Wall Street’s strict capital edicts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Crow, however, emphasized that in moments like these, the government relies on fear to ensure that the population complies with their edicts.

Read more on Salon

Wearing suits and green ties, the players were following the edict of their coach to act classy and be thankful and polite.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commandment 
• decree 
• directive 
• injunction 
• judgment 
• mandate 
• precept 
• proclamation 
• regulation 
• ruling 
• statute