Mandatory

/ˈmæn.də.tɔːr.i/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Required by law or rules; compulsory.

Wearing seat belts is mandatory in most states.

Obligatory; required; commanded.

Attendance at the meeting is mandatory for all employees.

Having a force of law; enforced.

The new regulations are mandatory for all companies operating in the sector.

From Latin 'mandatory', from 'mandare' meaning 'to commission, order'.

mandatory retirement

A policy requiring employees to retire at a certain age.

mandatory reporting

A legal requirement to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

mandatory minimum

The lowest sentence a judge can impose for a particular crime.

mandate

An official order or commission to do something.

enforcement

The act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law or rule.