a command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue given by the electorate to its representative

The president had a clear mandate to end the war.

a command from a superior court or official to a lower one.

an authoritative order or command

a royal mandate.

(in the League of Nations) a commission given to a nation to administer the government and affairs of a former Turkish territory or German colony.

a mandated territory or colony.

Roman Catholic Church . an order issued by the pope, esp. one commanding the preferment of a certain person to a benefice.

Roman and Civil Law . a contract by which one engages gratuitously to perform services for another.

(in modern civil law) any contract by which a person undertakes to perform services for another.

Roman Law . an order or decree by the emperor, esp. to governors of provinces.

to authorize or decree (a particular action), as by the enactment of law.

to order or require; make mandatory

to mandate sweeping changes in the election process.

to consign (a territory, colony, etc.) to the charge of a particular nation under a mandate.

noun

denial , veto

noun

authorization , behest , bidding , blank check * , carte blanche * , charge , command , commission , decree , dictate , directive , edict , fiat , go-ahead * , green light * , imperative , injunction , instruction , okay * , precept , sanction , warrant , word * , commandment , direction , order , word , authority , right , brief , referendum , requisition , rule , warranty , writ