dictate to

Also found in: Idioms.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

dictate

verb

1. To set forth expressly and authoritatively:

decree, fix, impose, lay down, ordain, prescribe.

Idioms: call the shots, lay it on the line.

2. To command or issue commands in an arrogant manner:

boss, dominate, domineer, order, rule, tyrannize.

noun

1. An authoritative indication to be obeyed:

behest, bidding, charge, command, commandment, direction, directive, injunction, instruction (often used in plural), mandate, order, word.

2. A code or set of codes governing action or procedure, for example:

prescript, regulation, rubric, rule.

Translations

w>dictate to

vi +prep obj person → diktieren (+dat), → Vorschriften machen (+dat); I won’t be dictated to → ich lasse mir nicht diktieren, ich lasse mir keine Vorschriften machen

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

References in periodicals archive ?

"It's crazy to dictate to groundsmen what length the grass should be when they're doing their best to protect the club and pitch."

CRAIG'S SURFACE TENSION

"We don't seek to dictate to the Chinese what their national security policy should be.

Rudd dismisses China concerns on augmenting Australia-US military ties

Someone please tell the super conscious Kangna to stop calling up photographers and journalists to dictate to them what kind of photographs are to be used with her stories.