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Definition of "decide" []

  • To settle conclusively all contention or uncertainty about: decide a case; decided the dispute in favor of the workers. (verb-transitive)
  • To make up one's mind about: decide what to do. (verb-transitive)
  • To influence or determine the outcome of: A few votes decided the election. (verb-transitive)
  • To cause to make or reach a decision. (verb-transitive)
  • To pronounce a judgment; announce a verdict. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "decide" in a sentence
  • "The word decide comes from the Latin verb decidere, which means “to cut off.”"
  • "Politico reports that top Republicans and Democrats are quietly lining up to run for the office — should Palin decide not to."
  • "But, should Palin decide to launch a presidential campaign, would she be a formidable opponent against President Obama?"