de·cide /dɪˈsaɪd, di-/
De·cide v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decided; p. pr. & vb. n. Deciding.]
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.
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.
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,
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"