dictate

 

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪkˈteɪt/
[with object]
  • 1state or order authoritatively: the tsar’s attempts to dictate policy [no object]: that doesn’t give you the right to dictate to me
  • control or decisively affect; determine: choice is often dictated by availability [no object]: a review process can be changed as circumstances dictate
  • 2say or read aloud (words to be typed, written down, or recorded on tape): I have four letters to dictate

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdɪkteɪt/
(usually dictates)
  • an order or principle that must be obeyed: the dictates of fashion

Origin:

late 16th century (in dictate (sense 2 of the verb)): from Latin dictat- 'dictated', from the verb dictare