mandamus
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mandamus
From the Latin word mandāmus we command
Explanation
A mandamus is an order passed down from a court requiring that an official perform some particular function as an absolute duty. If a public official tries to do his job in whatever way he sees fit, a court might issue a mandamus, telling him, "This is your duty — do it. Or else." Say you're a dogcatcher and you've been looking the other way while Tootles runs free, digging up flower beds. A court might issue a writ of mandamus ordering you to put Tootles in the pound. It's no longer up to you — it's time to bring Tootles in.
Vocabulary lists containing mandamus
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
United States v. Nixon (1974)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week In Words: July 25–31, 2020
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
But we have an extraordinary legal team, and they filed a mandamus with the 15th, this newly set-up court, and they came back, and the opinion, if you haven’t read it yet, is worth scanning.
From Slate • Oct. 15, 2025
But a writ of mandamus is a last resort, when a prosecutor believes and can demonstrate that their case has been effectively destroyed by a judge clearly violating the law.
From Salon • May 16, 2024
Justin Jones and Justin Pearson file for a writ of mandamus, Federal District Court, in Nashville, against the Tennessee Assembly.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023
The Supreme Court ruling only dismisses the petition - submitted by a group of parents in Chesapeake - that sought an unconventional form of relief called a writ of mandamus.
From Washington Times • Feb. 7, 2022
Finally this was arranged, and a mandamus was granted “commanding the admission of legal advisers to the prisoner.”
From The Life of George Borrow by Shorter, Clement K.
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.
