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executive order

American  

noun

(often initial capital letters)
  1. an order having the force of law issued by the president of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch of the government.


Etymology

Origin of executive order

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

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.

Attorney General’s opinion on the matter noted that the an executive order under the Defense Production Act “may displace sanctions for non-compliance with a contrary consent decree.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cases at the trade court are often handled by an individual judge, but they are assigned to a three-judge panel if they challenge the constitutionality of a congressional action, presidential proclamation or executive order.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also said current tariffs were at 15%, though analysts noted no updated executive order or signs the administration had raised the 10% tariff it imposed two weeks ago.

From Barron's

Mr. Amodei broke with his competitors by endorsing a Biden executive order that imposed federal oversight of AI models.

From The Wall Street Journal

A year earlier, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had issued an executive order mandating equal opportunities for all citizens in federal offices.

From The Wall Street Journal