decree Definition
- 1an official order that has the force of law
- 2a decision or judgment made by a court of law
- 3to officially decide or order something
Using decree: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decree" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The president issued a decree banning all imports from that country.
Example
The judge issued a decree ordering the company to pay damages.
Example
The new law decrees that all children must attend school until the age of 16.
decree Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using decree
by decree
by official order or command
Example
The new tax law was implemented by decree of the president.
decree from on high
an order or decision that comes from someone in a position of authority
Example
The CEO's decree from on high was that all employees must work overtime this week.
decree of fate
an unavoidable or predetermined outcome
Example
The accident was a decree of fate that could not have been prevented.
Phrases with decree
decree absolute
a final decree in a divorce case that dissolves the marriage and allows both parties to remarry
Example
After the decree absolute was granted, she was free to marry again.
decree nisi
a provisional decree in a divorce case that does not dissolve the marriage but allows the parties to live separately
Example
The court granted a decree nisi, and the couple began living apart.
decree of nullity
a decree issued by a court declaring a marriage to be invalid or void
Example
The church granted a decree of nullity, and the marriage was declared void.
Origins of decree
from Latin 'decretum', meaning 'something decided'
Summary: decree in Brief
The term 'decree' [dɪˈkriː] refers to an official order or decision with the force of law, often issued by a court or government. It can also mean to officially decide or order something. Examples include 'The president issued a decree banning all imports from that country.' and 'The judge issued a decree ordering the company to pay damages.' Phrases like 'decree absolute' and 'by decree' add further nuance.
