Officially ordered or announced something with authority, usually by a ruler or government with the power to make people follow the order.
From Latin 'decernere' (de- 'down' + cernere 'to decide'). Entered English via Old French and remained associated with royal and governmental authority throughout its history.
The word 'decree' comes from the same Latin root as 'discern' and 'concern'—all about making a decision or judgment—and historically, only people with absolute power could 'decree,' which is why it sounds so royal and final.
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