# proclaim

/pɹoʊˈkɫeɪm/ (US) · /pɹəklˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proclaim
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to announce officially

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to announce something important to the public in an official way.

For teachers: to announce or declare something officially, publicly, or with great emphasis. Transitive — requires a direct object or a 'that' clause.

- The government will proclaim a new public holiday to celebrate the victory.
- The president stood before the gathered crowd to proclaim a new era of economic cooperation between the two nations.

### 2. to show clearly

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to show or make something very clear to others through your actions or appearance.

For teachers: to indicate or make something clearly known through outward signs or qualities.

- His tired face proclaimed that he had not slept for days.
- The ornate architecture of the palace proclaimed the immense wealth and power of the ruling dynasty to every visitor.

### 3. emergency powers

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to officially put a place under special emergency rules.

For teachers: to bring a specific area or situation under the scope of emergency powers or special legal restrictions by official decree.

- The governor had to proclaim the city a disaster zone after the flood.
- Under the emergency act, the minister was empowered to proclaim specific districts as restricted zones to maintain public order.

## Examples

- The government will proclaim a new national holiday tomorrow.
- The protesters gathered in the square to proclaim their right to free speech and fair treatment.
- After years of civil unrest, the newly elected leader stood before the crowd to proclaim a new era of peace and economic cooperation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.