edict
Americannoun
-
a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority.
- Synonyms:
- pronouncement, dictum
-
any authoritative proclamation or command.
noun
-
a decree, order, or ordinance issued by a sovereign, state, or any other holder of authority
-
any formal or authoritative command, proclamation, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of edict
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”; see origin at e- 1, dictum
Explanation
If your mom orders you to clean your room, that's an order. If the king asks you to do it, that's an edict — an official order from some higher up. Edict comes from the Latin edictum, meaning a "proclamation, or ordinance." Although it was originally used to describe a declaration or command from a king or other governing official, in more recent years it has come to be used almost sarcastically to describe any order. When your teacher says the report is due Monday morning, no exceptions, you know you'll be hitting the books this weekend — this is an edict you cannot ignore.
Vocabulary lists containing edict
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Wall Street Journal later reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the US giant was preparing to backtrack on its acquisition after the Chinese edict.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
In Greek tragedy, the gods have the last word, but here the question becomes whether individuals’ rights should take precedence over a ruler’s edict.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
“This edict, combined with the current delay fiasco, has built a ‘wall’ for employers and employees who are already in the process of stamping.”
From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025
Taliban officials then described the face veil edict as "advice".
From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025
The latest heartache for Dutchmen was an edict making it a crime to sing the “Wilhelmus,” our national anthem.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
