fiat

[fee-aht, -at, fahy-uht, -at]

noun

1. an authoritative decree, sanction, or order.

   a royal fiat.

   Synonyms: ukase, diktat, mandate, ruling, directive, authorization

2. a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.

3. an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it.

   The king ruled by fiat.

fiat

/ ˈfaɪət, -æt /

noun

1. official sanction; authoritative permission

2. an arbitrary order or decree

3. literary,  any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiat¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiat¹

C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become