Edict: meaning, definitions and examples

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edict

[ ˈiːdɪkt ]

^{Context #1}

legal

An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

Synonyms

command, decree, pronouncement

Examples of usage

The emperor issued an edict declaring war on the neighboring kingdom.
The government issued an edict banning the use of plastic bags.

^{Context #2}

historical

An order or decree imposed by a ruler or government that has the force of law.

Synonyms

fiat, mandate, ordinance

Examples of usage

The edicts of the Roman emperors were inscribed on stone tablets.
The edicts of the king were displayed in the town square for all to see.

Translations

Translations of the word "edict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 edicto

🇮🇳 फ़रमान

🇩🇪 Erlass

🇮🇩 maklumat

🇺🇦 указ

🇵🇱 edykt

🇯🇵 勅令 (ちょくれい)

🇫🇷 édit

🇪🇸 edicto

🇹🇷 ferman

🇰🇷 칙령

🇸🇦 مرسوم

🇨🇿 výnos

🇸🇰 výnos

🇨🇳 法令

🇸🇮 odlok

🇮🇸 tilskipun

🇰🇿 жарлық

🇬🇪 დეკრეტი

🇦🇿 fəman

🇲🇽 edicto

Word origin

The word 'edict' originated from the Latin word 'edictum', which means 'a proclamation or decree'. In ancient Rome, edicts were official orders issued by a magistrate or other public official. These edicts were often inscribed on stone tablets and displayed in public places for all to see. Over time, the term 'edict' came to be used more broadly to refer to any official order or decree issued by a person in authority.