promulgate
PROM-ul-gayt
/ˈprɒməlɡeɪt/
To make (an idea, belief, or law) known to many people; to officially announce a new law or decree.
Implies a formal and widespread announcement, often of something newly established or enacted. It's about publicizing something officially.
The story behind the word. The word 'promulgate' comes from the Latin 'promulgare', meaning 'to make public, publish, or proclaim'. The exact origin of the second part of the word is debated, but it's possibly related to 'vulgus', meaning 'the common people'. So, to 'promulgate' is to officially put something out 'to the common people', ensuring it is widely known and understood.
Word relationships
- proclaim: To announce officially or publicly; very similar to 'promulgate', often interchangeable.
- announce: More general; 'promulgate' implies a formal, widespread, and often official announcement of a law or doctrine.
- disseminate: To spread (information, ideas, culture) widely; 'promulgate' is more about official declaration, 'disseminate' about broader distribution.
- suppress: To prevent information from being known, the opposite of promulgating it.
- conceal: To keep something secret, contrasting with making it widely known.
Word family
- promulgation (noun): the action of making something known or public
Collocations
- promulgate a law
- promulgate regulations
- promulgate a doctrine
- promulgate information
Example sentences
- "The government plans to promulgate the new health guidelines through a series of public service announcements." Government Communication
- "Once the bill is signed into law, the relevant agencies will promulgate the specific regulations needed for its implementation." Legal Process
Memory hook
To 'PROMULGATE' is to 'PROMOTE' a new 'RULE' to the 'GATE's of the public. Promote rule publicly
When not to use
Do not use 'promulgate' for casual announcements or spreading rumors. It's reserved for official declarations, especially of laws or doctrines.
Fun facts
- In legal systems, the promulgation of a law is often a necessary step before it can take effect, ensuring citizens are aware of their new obligations.
- The term can also be used in a broader sense for spreading ideas or doctrines, not just laws.
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