decree

1 of 2

noun

de·​cree di-ˈkrē How to pronounce decree (audio)
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
decreer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
History of reforms There is a long history of prison reforms, such as mandates on time out of cells and limits on isolation as a disciplinary measure, coming by decrees of courts or legislatures. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025 Enough lawmakers eventually managed to enter an assembly hall and voted unanimously to overturn Yoon's decree. arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
In order to acknowledge the horrors of LA’s monumentally destructive fires, the Academy decreed that none of the five Best Song nominees will be performed. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2025 That year, the magazine decreed that the best brisket in Texas was being served in the hamlet of Lexington, at Snow’s, a humble spot whose smoked meats were overseen by a no-nonsense seventy-three-year-old pitmaster named Miss Tootsie. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decree

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

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

Cite this Entry

“Decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decree. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

decree

1 of 2 noun
de·​cree di-ˈkrē How to pronounce decree (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce decree (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on decree

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