Definition of 'edict'

Word Frequency

edict

(iːdɪkt )

Word forms: plural edicts

countable noun [oft NOUN that]

An edict is a command or instruction given by someone in authority.

[formal]

In 1741 Catherine the Great issued an edict of toleration for Buddhism.

He issued an edict that none of his writings be destroyed.

Synonyms: decree, law, act, order More Synonyms of edict

Word Frequency

edict in British

(ˈiːdɪkt )

noun

a decree, order, or ordinance issued by a sovereign, state, or any other holder of authority

any formal or authoritative command, proclamation, etc

Derived forms

edictal (eˈdictal)

adjective

edictally (eˈdictally)

adverb

Word origin of 'edict'

C15: from Latin ēdictum, from ēdīcere to declare

Word Frequency

edict in American

(ˈiˌdɪkt ; ēˈdiktˌ)

noun

an official public proclamation or order issued by authority; decree

any command or order

Derived forms

edictal (eˈdictal) (iˈdɪktəl ; ēdikˈtəl)

adjective

Word origin of 'edict'

L edictum, neut. pp. of edicere, to proclaim < e-, out + dicere, to speak: see diction

Example sentences containing 'edict'

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The edict was issued to cleaners across the capital. Times, Sunday Times (2012)It issues edicts, micro and macro. Times, Sunday Times (2014)For the most part, that edict was ignored. Times, Sunday Times (2010)For corrupt officials, that would be a tricky edict to ignore under any circumstances. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Neither Labour nor the Conservatives have issued any such edict. Times, Sunday Times (2009)