decree

1 of 2

noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

1

: an order usually having the force of law

a judicial decree

by royal decree

2

a

: a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head

a papal decree

b

: a foreordaining will

God's decree

3

a

: a judicial decision of the Roman emperor

b

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

decree

2 of 2

verb

decreed; decreeing

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

decreer

di-ˈkrē-ər 

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• edict
• instruction
• order
• directive
• injunction
• direction

Verb

• order
• request

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

On August 13, 1953, the Shah, after much lobbying, signed a decree dismissing the Prime Minister. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025

Failure to comply with either decree is punishable by a fine of no more than $25. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Verb

For the Pixel 6a, Google has decreed that the battery limits will be imposed when the cells hit 400 charge cycles. —ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025

Rabbis and other clergy members in the United States may endorse candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their house of worship’s tax-exempt status, the Internal Revenue Service has decreed. —Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide, from de- + cernere to sift, decide — more at certain

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing decree

• by decree
• consent decree
• decree-law
• papal decree
• royal decree

Rhymes for decree

• be
• bee
• bree
• cree
• fee
• flea
• flee
• free
• gee
• ghee
• glee
• he

Kids Definition

decree

1 of 2 noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

: an order or decision given by one in authority

decree

2 of 2 verb

decreed; decreeing

: to command or order by decree

Legal Definition

decree

noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē 

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

decree verb

Etymology

Noun

Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide