A decree is an official order or decision, usually issued by someone in a position of authority like a ruler, government, or judge. When a king in medieval times wanted to make a new law, he would issue a decree that had to be followed throughout his kingdom. When a judge issues a divorce decree, it's the official legal document that ends a marriage.

The word carries weight and finality. A decree isn't a suggestion or a request: it's a command that has the force of law behind it. In ancient Rome, the emperor's decrees could change the course of history. In modern times, a court decree might order someone to pay money they owe or stay away from another person.

You might hear about a government decreeing new rules during an emergency, or a principal decreeing a new dress code policy. The verb form means to formally order something with authority.

In free societies, the right to make official orders is usually limited to specific roles, like judges, elected officials, or other legitimate authorities.