First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
promulgate
verb pro·mul·gate \ˈprä-məl-ˌgāt; prō-ˈməl-, prə-ˈ, ˈprō-(ˌ)\
: to make (an idea, belief, etc.) known to many people
: to make (a new law) known officially and publicly
pro·mul·gat·edpro·mul·gat·ing
Full Definition of PROMULGATE
transitive verb
1
: to make (as a doctrine) known by open declaration : proclaim
2
a : to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law) b : to put (a law) into action or force
— pro·mul·ga·tion \ˌprä-məl-ˈgā-shən; ˌprō-(ˌ)məl-, (ˌ)prō-ˌ\ noun
— pro·mul·ga·tor \ˈprä-məl-ˌgā-tər; prō-ˈməl-, prə-ˈ, ˈprō-(ˌ)\ noun
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Origin of PROMULGATE
Latin promulgatus, past participle of promulgare, from pro- forward + -mulgare (probably akin to mulgēre to milk, extract) — more at emulsion
Related to PROMULGATE
Synonym Discussion of PROMULGATE
declare, announce, proclaim, promulgate mean to make known publicly. declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known <the referee declared the contest a draw>. announce implies the declaration of something for the first time <announced their engagement at a party>. proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively <the president proclaimed a national day of mourning>. promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law <promulgated an edict of religious toleration>.
Rhymes with PROMULGATE
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