mandamus
Advanced (C1/C2)
IPA: //mænˈdeɪməs//
KK: /mænˈdeɪməs/
noun
Definition
A legal order from a higher court that requires a public official or lower court to carry out a specific duty or action.
Example
The court issued a mandamus to compel the city council to hold a public meeting.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a mandamus?
Yeah, it's a legal term, right?
Exactly! It's a writ that orders someone to do their job.
That sounds really important in the legal system.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
order
command
directive
Antonyms
prohibition
forbiddance
restraint
transitive verb
Definition
To order or command someone to do something, especially through a legal writ.
Example
The court issued a mandamus to compel the agency to fulfill its duty.
Tense Forms
Past: mandamused
Past Participle: mandamused
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a mandamus writ?
No, I haven't. What does it do?
It’s used to compel someone to perform a duty they’re supposed to do.
Root Explanation
Mandamus is derived from the Latin "mandare" (meaning to order or command) and the suffix "-us" which is often used in legal terminology to denote a type of writ. The term "mandamus" refers to a judicial order commanding a person or entity to perform a specific act.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mandare' meaning to 'order' — that's why a 'mandamus' is an order from a court to do something.
Visually Confused Words
manatus
manacus
amandus