Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
An explanation offered as an excuse for behaving in a criminal or wrongful manner, claiming that one acted in this way because one was ordered by others (particularly superiors) to do so.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: US, idiomatic
Qualifier: international law
Topics: ethics, human-sciences, philosophy, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: lawful orders, superior orders
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An explanation offered as a defense to criminal or wrongful behavior, claiming that one is justified in not obeying a governmental order or a domestic law because the order or law is itself unlawful.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: US, broadly
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
An allusion to a defense used by former Nazi officials prosecuted during the Nuremberg trials after World War II. The trials were held in Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany.
Across languages
11 source translations are retained for this English entry.
