diktat

dik•tat (dik-TAHT)  n

Definition:
1. a harsh, unilaterally imposed settlement with a defeated party
2. an authoritative or dogmatic statement or decree


Origin:
1933; German Diktat, "something dictated", from New Latin dictatum, from Latin, neuter of dictatus, past participle of dictare "to dictate"

Related:
Synonyms: decree, edict, directive, fiat, rescript, ruling
Related Words: dictation, indict, dictator, ditty

Sentence Examples:
• Washington's post-cold war ability to throw its weight around often smacks of intimidation and diktat to the proud Gauls. France's response, along with periodic crowings about its own importance, has been to unite Europe as a counterweight to U.S. domination. -Why Can't France and the US be Friends?, Time, Monday, Jan. 27, 1997

• Rabin's stern Diktat was not unprecedented; former Minister Eban was prohibited from publishing his diplomatic memoirs of the Six-Day War. - Israel: Tales of Henry, Told Out of School, Time, 1975

• Belgium's Senate passed a unanimous resolution condemning French intransigence and demanding that talks with Britain be resumed. "A diktat" -roared Belgian Foreign Minister Paul-Henri Spaak of De Gaulle's presumption to act as all Europe's spokesman. -Europe: A Problem of Personality
Time, 1963

The Storyline
Making sure there were no customers in the store, she issued forth her diktat, "Anyone not back to work in the next five minutes need not come back to work at all!"

Sources: Free Dictionary, Merriam-Webster

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