Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

edict

noun \ˈē-ˌdikt\

: an official order given by a person with power or by a government

Full Definition of EDICT

: a proclamation having the force of law

: order, command <we held firm to Grandmother's edict — M. F. K. Fisher>

— edic·tal \i-ˈdik-t^əl\ adjective

See edict defined for English-language learners

See edict defined for kids

Origin of EDICT

Middle English, from Latin edictum, from neuter of edictus, past participle of edicere to decree, from e- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EDICT

Synonyms: bull, decree, diktat, directive, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with EDICT

addict, afflict, conflict, constrict, convict, delict, depict, district, evict, inflict, lipsticked, predict, restrict, unlicked, verdict

EDICT Defined for Kids

edict

noun \ˈē-ˌdikt\

Definition of EDICT for Kids

: a command or law given or made by an authority (as a ruler)

Learn More About EDICT

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "edict"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "edict"

Nglish: Translation of "edict" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "edict" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: edictal citationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: edible snailAll Words Near: edict

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up edict? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More