Commandment

/kəˈmændmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A divine rule or law, particularly one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible.
One of the most well-known commandment is 'Thou shalt not kill.'
An authoritative order or instruction.
The general issued a commandment that all troops must be ready by dawn.
A principle that must be followed, often in a moral context.
The commandment to love others is central to many religions.

Etymology

From Old French 'commandement', from Latin 'commandamentum'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

The Ten Commandments:
The biblical set of laws given to Moses, representing core ethical principles.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A strong recommendation that feels like a rule.
She treats that advice like a commandment in her life.