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ordain

or·dain

ordain

 
 
pronunciation:
or deIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: ordains, ordaining, ordained
definition 1: to admit to the clergy as a priest, minister, or rabbi in a formal ceremony.
The council will ordain ten new ministers.
similar words:
appoint, authorize, install, invest, name
definition 2: to order or decide by law or authority.
The principal ordained that school would be closed because of snow.
synonyms:
decree, proclaim, pronounce
similar words:
dictate, establish, institute, mandate, order, rule
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derivations: ordainable (adj.), ordainment (n.)
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  religion