diktat

American  

[dik-taht] / dɪkˈtɑt /

noun

1. a harsh, punitive settlement or decree imposed unilaterally on a defeated nation, political party, etc.

2. any decree or authoritative statement.

   The Board of Education issued a diktat that all employees must report an hour earlier.

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diktat British  

/ ˈdɪktɑːt /

noun

1. decree or settlement imposed, esp by a ruler or a victorious nation

2. a dogmatic statement

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Etymology

Origin of diktat

1930–35; < German: literally, something dictated < Latin dictātus, past participle of dictāre to dictate

Explanation

A diktat is a regulation or rule imposed on a country that's lost a war by the country that defeated it. The Treaty of Versailles, considered to be the first diktat, was imposed on Germany after World War I. Diktat, or "dictate" in German, was first used in 1922 to emphasize the fact that Germany had no say in negotiating the terms of post-war treaties, instead being subject to a "dictated peace." Newspapers commonly used the word during the Cold War, and it continues to be used when a nation or party dictates unfavorable rules. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been known to accuse the U.S. of using "unilateral diktat" to escalate world conflicts.

Example Sentences

But on Sunday military chief Min Aung Hlaing -- who has ruled by diktat for the past five years -- said the armed forces could be trusted to hand back power to a civilian-led government.

From Barron's • Dec. 29, 2025

Rather than an American diktat that all parties must accept, the proposals were more like talking points.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

If enforced, this diktat will likely ensnare some air traffic controllers from towers that can hardly afford to lose them.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2025

"It's a diktat that they receive with no support and no help," he added.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

The Western powers, refusing to accept Russia's diktat on Turkey, met in Berlin the following year to consider revision of the Treaty of San Stefano.

From Area Handbook for Albania by Elpern, Sarah Jane