Décret (en. Decree)

/de.kʁɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Unilateral administrative act taken by a competent authority, having binding force.
The president signed a decree to establish a new tax.
Le président a signé un décret pour instaurer un nouvel impôt.
Text that specifies the methods of applying a law.
The implementing decree of the law was published in the Official Journal.
Le décret d'application de la loi a été publié au Journal officiel.
Decision originating from a legislative or executive authority.
A decree has been adopted to regulate the use of drones.
Un décret a été adopté pour réglementer l'usage des drones.

Etymology

From the Latin 'decretum', derived from the verb 'decernere', meaning 'to decide, to determine'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

decree-law
Legislative act with the force of law, adopted by the executive without requiring a vote from Parliament.
décret-loi
implementing decree
Text that specifies the methods of applying a law.
décret d'application
emergency decree
Decree issued in cases of emergency to respond to an exceptional situation.
décret d'urgence

Related Words

order
Administrative act that sets rules or decisions.
arrêté
ordinance
Official document issued by a competent authority.
ordonnance
law
Rule of law enacted by Parliament.
loi

Slang Meanings

Informal decree signed without consultation.
He did it on a decree, without discussing it with anyone.
Il a fait ça sur un décrets, sans en parler à personne.