5 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Decide \De*cide"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Decided}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Deciding}.] [L. dec[=i]dere; de- + caedere to cut, cut
off; prob. akin to E. shed, v.: cf. F. d['e]cider. Cf.
{Decision}.]
1. To cut off; to separate. [Obs.]
Our seat denies us traffic here; The sea, too near,
decides us from the rest. --Fuller.
2. To bring to a termination, as a question, controversy,
struggle, by giving the victory to one side or party; to
render judgment concerning; to determine; to settle.
So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
--1 Kings xx.
40.
The quarrel toucheth none but us alone; Betwixt
ourselves let us decide it then. --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Decide \De*cide"\, v. i.
To determine; to form a definite opinion; to come to a
conclusion; to give decision; as, the court decided in favor
of the defendant.
Who shall decide, when doctors disagree? --Pope.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
decide
v 1: reach, make, or come to a decision about something; "We
finally decided after lengthy deliberations" [syn: {make
up one's mind}, {determine}]
2: bring to an end; settle conclusively; "The case was
decided"; "The judge decided the case in favor of the
plaintiff"; "The father adjudicated when the sons were
quarreling over their inheritance" [syn: {settle}, {resolve},
{adjudicate}]
3: cause to decide; "This new development finally decided me!"
4: influence or determine; "The vote in New Hampshire often
decides the outcome of the Presidential election"
From THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) [devils]:
DECIDE, v.i. To succumb to the preponderance of one set of influences
over another set.
A leaf was riven from a tree,
"I mean to fall to earth," said he.
The west wind, rising, made him veer.
"Eastward," said he, "I now shall steer."
The east wind rose with greater force.
Said he: "'Twere wise to change my course."
With equal power they contend.
He said: "My judgment I suspend."
Down died the winds; the leaf, elate,
Cried: "I've decided to fall straight."
"First thoughts are best?" That's not the moral;
Just choose your own and we'll not quarrel.
Howe'er your choice may chance to fall,
You'll have no hand in it at all.
G.J.
From eng-fra [engfra]:
decide
[disaid]
décider