Preference, Obligation, and Permission

to favor something, especially an opinion

The new evidence seems to lean towards the prosecution's theory.

to officially give someone the authority or responsibility to carry out specific tasks or make decisions

The board of directors decided to mandate the new CEO with strategic decision-making authority.

to specify that something needs to be done or how it should be done, especially as part of an agreement

The contract stipulates that the payment must be made within 30 days of the invoice date.

a document giving an official instruction or command

the validity or acceptability of something, especially as legal evidence

the power or freedom of making decisions in a particular situation

The judge used her discretion to grant the defendant a more lenient sentence.

the privilege of being officially released from an obligation, law, or something that is usually prohibited

He received a special dispensation from the school to miss the exam due to personal reasons.

to impose a restriction or official ban on the release, publication, or distribution of certain information, news, or materials

The newspaper editor decided to embargo the sensitive article until the legal implications were clarified.

the situation in which the body can shield itself against a disease

Vaccination helps build immunity against various infectious diseases.

one's natural desire and feeling to take a specific action or act in a particular manner

a strong directive or order from an authority

The teacher issued an injunction to the students to stop running in the hallways.

to bend from a straight position typically to rest the body against something for support

Feeling tired after the hike, she decided to lean against the tree to catch her breath.

the quality of being acceptable by the law

a strong liking for something

something that is required as a precondition for something else following

A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for admission to the master's program.

a natural inclination to behave in a certain way or exhibit particular characteristics

He has a propensity for taking risks, which makes him a successful entrepreneur.

the quality of being careful and avoiding risks

to officially approve of something such as an action, change, practice, etc.

The city council decided to sanction the music festival, granting official permission for its organization in the park.

excluded from use, mention, or discussion because it is socially or culturally prohibited

Discussing salary is a taboo subject at the office.

to secure or tie together using ropes or other materials

The sailor will bind the cargo securely to the ship's deck with sturdy ropes.

using force or threat to persuade people to do something that they are reluctant to do

The coercive tactics employed by the dictator silenced dissenting voices.

to make someone do something

The convincing argument compelled her to change her stance on the issue.

extremely good or satisfactory

(of a person) not subject to an obligation, duty, or liability that applies to others

Firefighters are exempt from paying parking tickets while on duty.

not allowed by the law

having great importance and requiring immediate attention or action

It is imperative that we address climate change to ensure the well-being of future generations.

in a manner that is acceptable by the law

The company licitly obtained all the necessary permits before starting construction.

according to or allowed by law

The company's actions were found to be in compliance with statutory regulations.

(of a law, regulation, rule, etc.) extremely limiting and strict

The company had stringent rules about employee conduct.

not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention