dictate Definition

dictate
verb dictated, dictating

1. To say or read out something for someone else to write down.

Thesaurus: orate, speak, deliver, announce, pronounce, compose, formulate, verbalize, record.
2. To state or lay down (rules, terms, etc) forcefully or with authority.
tr & intr
3. derog
To give orders to or try to impose one's wishes on someone.
Thesaurus: order, command, instruct, direct, rule, manage, decree, prescribe, ordain, impose, enjoin.

noun

1. An order or instruction.

Thesaurus: decree, edict, fiat, command, injunction, order, ultimatum, mandate, precept, rule, law, statute, ordinance.
2. A guiding principle.

Derivative: dictatory
adj

Etymology: 16c: from Latin dictare.