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Decreeing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decreeing

[dษชหˆkriหษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Decreeing refers to the act of issuing an official order or decision by an authority. This term is often associated with judicial or governmental rulings that set out legal obligations or instructions. When a judge decrees a ruling, it establishes the law that must be followed. The act of decreeing can also imply a formal proclamation, often with significant implications.

Synonyms

dictating, ordaining, proclaiming.

Examples of usage

  • The court is decreeing a new policy.
  • The president is decreeing a state of emergency.
  • The judge is decreeing his final decision.
  • The council is decreeing regulations for the new law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term is derived from the Latin word 'decretum,' meaning 'something decided' or 'an ordinance.'
  • In ancient Rome, decrees were formal decisions made by the Senate or leaders, often governing public policies.
  • Royal decrees have historically been used by kings and queens to enforce laws or issue commands within their realms.

Legal Context

  • In the legal world, a decree is often a formal command made by a court that has legal standing and must be adhered to.
  • There are several types of decrees, such as divorce decrees, which settle the terms of a divorce legally.
  • Decrees can also be issued by government authorities to enforce regulations, such as public health orders.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, the act of decreeing has been associated with divine authority, symbolizing the voice of the gods or fate.
  • In religious contexts, decrees may reflect moral or ethical decisions that guide community behavior or belief systems.
  • Decreeing often appears in literature and folklore, where characters must obey the commands of powerful beings.

Pop Culture

  • In fantasy literature, characters who decree often wield significant power or authority, such as kings in epic tales.
  • Movies portray powerful figures who issue decrees that change the course of a story or a kingdom's fate.
  • Television shows frequently use the concept of decreeing to create drama, as characters must navigate between following decrees and their personal desires.

Psychology

  • The act of decreeing can create a sense of authority and control, often leading to compliance from those who recognize that authority.
  • Psychological studies suggest that decrees can influence behavior by establishing clear expectations and consequences.
  • Following a decree can evoke feelings of security and order among a populace, reinforcing the power of the authority that issued it.

Origin of 'decreeing'

The word 'decree' originates from Middle English 'decree', which came from Old French 'decret', and further back from Latin 'decretum', meaning 'something decided, a decree'. Its roots lie in the verb 'decernere', which means 'to decide, determine'. Historically, decrees were associated with formal pronouncements by rulers, especially in contexts where legal authority needed to be established or clarified. Over time, the usage of the term has expanded beyond political realms into various sectors including religious, judicial, and administrative domains. In modern usage, to decree can suggest the exercise of power by a figure of authority, and it retains its significance in legal contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,847, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.