decreed

Decreed is the past tense and past participle of the verb decree. It describes the act of issuing an official order, decision, or command by an authority such as a monarch, a court, a legislature, or another governing body.

Etymology: The word derives from the late Latin decretum, from the verb decernere “to decide, determine,” via Old French decreer into English. The related noun is decree.

Usage and nuance: Decreed conveys formal, authoritative action. It is common in legal and historical writing as well as in religious or ceremonial contexts. Active voice examples include “The king decreed a tax remission” and “The council decreed a day of mourning.” In passive constructions, “A new law was decreed by the council.” The term implies broad effect and a sense of permanence.

Contexts and implications: Decreed actions typically carry official status and enforceability within the scope of the issuing authority. Violations of a decreed order may incur penalties under the relevant legal or procedural framework. The term is more likely to appear in formal discourse than in everyday conversation.

Related terms: Decree, edict, ordinance, royal decree. These words share the notion of an official, authoritative ruling issued by a recognized authority.