<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>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.</li><li>a command from a superior court or official to a lower one: The appellate court resolved the appeal and issued a mandate to the district judge.</li><li>an authoritative order or command: a royal mandate.</li><li>a commission given to a nation to administer the government and affairs of a former Turkish territory or German colony.</li><li>Roman Catholic Church: an order issued by the pope, especially one commanding the preferment of a certain person to a benefice.</li><li>Roman and Civil Law: a contract by which one engages gratuitously to perform services for another.</li><li>Roman Law: an order or decree by the emperor, especially to governors of provinces.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to authorize or decree (a particular action), as by the enactment of law: The state legislature mandated an increase in the minimum wage.</li><li>to order or require; make mandatory: to mandate sweeping changes in the election process.</li><li>to consign (a territory, colony, etc.) to the charge of a particular nation under a mandate.</li></ul>