DICTATE

vi to compose literary works; to tell what shall be written or said by another.

2. dictate ·vi to speak as a superior; to command; to impose conditions (on).

3. dictate ·vt to tell or utter so that another may write down; to inspire; to compose; as, to dictate a letter to an amanuensis.

4. dictate ·vt a statement delivered with authority; an order; a command; an authoritative rule, principle, or maxim; a prescription; as, listen to the dictates of your conscience; the dictates of the gospel.

5. dictate ·vt to say; to utter; to communicate authoritatively; to deliver (a command) to a subordinate; to declare with authority; to impose; as, to dictate the terms of a treaty; a general dictates orders to his troops.