/dɪ'kri:; dɪ`kri/ n
1 order given by a ruler or an authority and having the force of a law 命令; 法令
*issue a decree 颁布法令
* rule by decree, ie without seeking people's consent 以法令统治（不徵求人民的同意）.
2 judgement or decision of certain law-courts （法院的）判决, 裁定.

v (pt, pp decreed) [Tn, Tf, Tw] order (sth) (as if) by decree 发布（命令）; 颁布（法令）
*The governor decreed a day of mourning. 地方长官发布哀悼一日的命令.
* (fig 比喻) Fate decreed that they would not meet again. 他们受命运的安排再也不能相会.

NOTE ON USAGE 用法
*When talking about giving orders, decree and dictate can be used of individuals in positions of authority. 谈到发命令, decree和dictate均可指下达者为掌权的个人. Decree usually suggests the public announcement of a decision made by a ruler or government without consulting others *decree通常指统治者或政府不与别人商议而公开宣布的决定
*The dictator decreed that his birthday would be a public holiday. 该独裁者发布命令, 将其生日定为公众假期. Dictate indicates people using their power over others *dictate用以指人用权力支配他人
*Her skills were in such demand that she could dictate her own salary. 她因其技术奇货可居, 故可以主宰自己的薪金待遇. Ordain and prescribe suggest a more impersonal authority such as the law. *ordain和prescribe多用以指如法律等非个人的权力. Ordain is formal and can be used of God *ordain含庄重色彩, 可用以指上帝
*Is it ordained in heaven that women should work in the home? 女人就该在家里干活儿, 这是上天的旨意吗? Prescribe is used of the law *prescribe用于法律方面
*Regulations prescribe certain standards for building materials. 有规章规定建筑材料的某些标准.