Meaning & use
Ordains
Last updated
Confers holy orders upon someone, formally appointing them as clergy; or officially decrees or establishes something with authority.
See it in a sentence
The bishop ordains new priests each spring in a formal ceremony.
The constitution ordains that all citizens are equal before the law.
A note on using this word
The religious and legal senses share a common root in the idea of establishing something by authoritative decree.
Words with a similar meaning
consecratesdecrees
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
Officially decrees, establishes, or orders something by authority.
The new law ordains stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
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