de|ci|sion

de|ci|sion «dih SIHZH uhn», noun, verb.

–n.

1. the act of making up one's mind; resolution: »

Not knowing which color he would like, I have not come to a decision on what sweater to buy him.

2. a) the deciding or settling of a question or dispute by giving judgment to one side. b) Boxing. the winning of a match on points or by the verdict of the referee and judges, rather than by a knockout: »

Carter, appearing in his eleventh title fight…gained a decision over Smith in Cincinnati in 1950 (New York Times).

3. the judgment reached or given: »

The jury brought in a decision of not guilty. In this contest, the decision of the judges is final.

SYNONYM(S): verdict, decree, order.

4. firmness and determination; being decided: »

to act with decision. She is a woman of decision who makes up her mind what to do and then does it.

–v.t.

Informal, Boxing. to defeat (an opponent) by a decision: »

In his 13th bout Machen decisioned Nino Valdes (Saturday Evening Post).

╂[< Latin dēcīsiō, -ōnis < dēcīdere; see etym. under decide (Cf. ↑decide)]