1. to officially make someone a priest, minister, or other religious leader
Usage: religious context
2. to order or command something officially
Usage: formal
3. to establish or set up something by law or authority
Usage: formal; legal

Examples

• The bishop ordains new priests every spring.
• She was ordained as a minister last year.
• The constitution ordains that all citizens have equal rights.
• The king ordains new laws for his kingdom.
• The church ordains women as well as men.
• The law ordains severe penalties for theft.
• He ordains that all meetings begin promptly at nine.