An order, decree, or directive issued by an authority with absolute power, often without consultation and expected to be obeyed without question.
From German 'Diktat' and Latin 'dictatum' (something dictated), related to 'dicere' (to say/dictate). The word gained political prominence after WWI regarding imposed treaties.
The term 'diktat' became internationally famous after WWI when Germans called the Treaty of Versailles a 'diktat'—it perfectly captured the resentment of having rules forced on you with no negotiation!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.