edict
/ˈiːdɪkt/
NOUN
1. Official order issued by an authority
A formal and authoritative order or proclamation issued by a ruler, government, court, or other person or institution with power to command or regulate.
1.1. Authoritative command or decree
An official directive issued by someone in authority that requires obedience or establishes a binding instruction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- request
- plea
- suggestion
- recommendation
Examples
- The king issued an edict requiring all citizens to pay the new tax.
- The emperor's edict prohibited the practice throughout the kingdom.
- The company introduced an edict requiring employees to follow the revised security procedures.
Related Words
- authority
- directive
- instruction
- prohibition
- ruling
- injunction
1.2. Official public proclamation
A formal public announcement made by an authority to communicate a new law, policy, decision, or declaration.
Synonyms
- proclamation
- pronouncement
- declaration
- announcement
- manifesto
- public notice
- bull
Antonyms
- request
- suggestion
- private opinion
Examples
- The royal edict was proclaimed throughout the capital.
- The governor issued an edict announcing new restrictions on trade.
- The religious leader's edict was publicly distributed to the congregation.
Related Words
- notification
- promulgation
- announcement
- publication
- declaration
NOUN
2. Legally established rule or regulation
A formal legal enactment or authoritative decision that establishes a rule, requirement, or prohibition.
2.1. Law or statutory regulation
An officially established legal rule or enactment that governs conduct and may carry legal consequences for noncompliance.
Synonyms
- law
- statute
- ordinance
- regulation
- enactment
- rule
- legislation
- canon
- prescript
- precept
Antonyms
- lawlessness
- anarchy
- disorder
Examples
- The ancient edict established strict rules governing trade in the region.
- The new edict became part of the kingdom's legal framework.
- Citizens were expected to comply with the edict issued by the governing council.
Related Words
2.2. Court-issued decision or order
A formal and authoritative judicial order or ruling entered by a court or judge.
Synonyms
Examples
- The court issued an edict requiring the disputed property to remain untouched.
- The judicial edict was binding on both parties.
- The parties were required to comply with the court's edict.