decree

noun

de·cree | \ di-ˈkrē

Definition of decree

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an order usually having the force of law a judicial decree by royal decree

2a : a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head a papal decree

b : a foreordaining will God's decree

3a : a judicial decision of the Roman emperor

b : a judicial decision especially in an equity (see equity sense 3a) court or probate court

decree

verb

decreed; decreeing

Definition of decree (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to command or enjoin by or as if by decree decree an amnesty

2 : to determine or order judicially decree a punishment

intransitive verb

: ordain

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Examples of decree in a Sentence

Noun

The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday. Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.

Verb

The government decreed a national holiday. The change was decreed by the President. The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The decree published Wednesday in the Royal Gazette put into effect election laws that were drafted by the military government, which has kept tight control over political activities and made efforts to quash dissent during its time in power. — Kaweewit Kaewjinda, The Seattle Times, "Thailand sets date of first general election since coup," 23 Jan. 2019 In February, Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare royal decree banning plastic straws and bottles from all royal estates (and their cafes and gift shops) and pledged to reduce using other single-use plastics at all royal functions. — New York Times, "Bans on Plastic Straws Are Growing. But Is the Travel Industry Doing Enough?," 1 May 2018 If approved, Robart, who is overseeing a 2012 consent decree imposed on the city by the Department of Justice, will decide if the contract is consistent with the decree and constitutional policing. — Steve Miletich, The Seattle Times, "Federal judge questions whether Seattle police-union contract in keeping with ‘spirit’ of reforms," 5 Nov. 2018 Nine thousand police officers and hundreds of soldiers and academics were dismissed from their jobs Sunday, according to the decree published in the state Gazette. — Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, "As Erdogan prepares for new term, Turkey dismisses more than 18,000 civil servants," 8 July 2018 Under the new presidential system, Erdogan will have the power to appoint a Cabinet as well as vice presidents and issue decrees that can be overturned only by a majority vote by parliament. — Umar Farooq, latimes.com, "Turkey's President Erdogan embraces new powers as electoral council declares him election winner," 26 June 2018 At least seven people were killed and 20 were wounded in Monday's attack, which came shortly after the body of religious leaders, known as the Afghan Ulema Council, had issued a decree against suicide attacks and called for peace talks. — Fox News, "IS claims responsibility for Kabul attack on Afghan clerics," 5 June 2018 And Gabriel Curtis was selected as minister of investments and public-private partnerships, according to the decree read on RTG. — Ougna Camara, Bloomberg.com, "Guinea Retains Mining Minister in Broad Cabinet Reshuffle," 26 May 2018 At that point, for those with divorce decrees and separation agreements entered into — or substantially changed — after 2018, the payments would no longer be deductible and the money received would not be taxable. — Jan M. Rosen, New York Times, "Tips for Coping With the Changes in the Tax Code," 23 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

According to the 1917 Letter’s Patent decreed by King George V, only grandchildren of the sovereign receive royal titles—not great-grandchildren. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Royal Baby Archie Could Have a Prince Title Someday—But There's a Catch," 8 May 2019 The country’s ruler has decreed that women don’t need their guardian’s approval to get their licenses. — Margaret Coker, New York Times, "A Moment to Savor: A Saudi Woman Rejoices as Driving Ban Ends," 23 June 2018 Just days ago, a French court decreed the film could, indeed, be screened, despite a rights dispute brought by a producer claiming ownership. — Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY, "Adam Driver can't avoid Star Wars in Cannes as he promotes 'BlacKkKlansman,' 'Don Quixote'," 16 May 2018 Then-French Prime Minister François Fillon decreed in 2011 that women were banned from wearing face veils outside of the home except in mosques or as car passengers. — Jesse J. Holland And Russell Contreras, chicagotribune.com, "Trump draws fierce criticism for saying immigration is 'changing the culture' of Europe for worse," 14 July 2018 In December 2016 Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, decreed that the 100-bolívar note, then the largest in circulation, would cease to be legal tender within three days. — The Economist, "Venezuelan cash is almost worthless, but also scarce," 12 July 2018 The government decreed later that year that ships carrying car imports bound for Colombo port would instead offload their cargo at Hambantota to kick-start business there. — Maria Abi-habib, New York Times, "How China Got Sri Lanka to Cough Up a Port," 25 June 2018 In the 1940s, King Mohammed V built his summer palace along the water, decreeing Morocco’s first royal beach. — Lane Nieset, Vogue, "After Marrakech, Go to Oualidia, the Montauk of Morocco," 30 Jan. 2019 Unlike state agencies and local governments, the Legislature has its own public records law — enacted in 1975 — that casts a wide net in decreeing that most internal records can be kept confidential. — John Myers, latimes.com, "California legislative investigation finds Assemblyman Devon Mathis violated sexual harassment policy," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decree.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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16 May 2019

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The first known use of decree was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for decree

decree

noun

English Language Learners Definition of decree

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an official order given by a person with power or by a government

: an official decision made by a court of law

decree

verb

English Language Learners Definition of decree (Entry 2 of 2)

: to order or decide (something) in an official way

See the full definition for decree in the English Language Learners Dictionary

decree

noun

de·cree | \ di-ˈkrē

Kids Definition of decree

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an order or decision given by a person or group in authority

decree

verb

decreed; decreeing

Kids Definition of decree (Entry 2 of 2)

: to give an order as an authority Mom decreed that it was bedtime.

decree

noun

de·cree | \ di-ˈkrē

Legal Definition of decree

1 : an order having the force of law by judicial decree

2 : a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court broadly : judgment divorce decree interlocutory decree

— consent decree

: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision specifically : such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt

— decree nisi decrees nisi

: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not

Note: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).

— decree pro confesso

: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed — compare default judgment at judgment sense 1a

— final decree

: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including especially the parties' rights — compare final judgment at judgment sense 1a

— interlocutory decree

: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute