A fiat is an official decree issued by an authority. Fiat sometimes connotes arbitrariness, an imperial decree that may not be mitigated. The word fiat comes from the Latin word fiat, meaning let it be done. Fiat was the opening word in Medieval proclamations that were written in Latin.
When Fiat is spelled with an uppercase F, it refers to an Italian car brand that is produced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Fiat is the largest auto maker in Italy, the company traces its roots to 1899 when the first Fiat was produced. Fiat is an anagram of Fabbrica Itaqliana Automobil Torino.
Examples
The assembly granted the president the ability to rule by fiat less than a month after intelligence agents arrested Antonio Ledezma, an opposition leader who is the mayor of this capital city, for allegedly conspiring against Mr. Maduro. (The Wall Street Journal)
Ending the debate by judicial fiat rubbed Chief Justice John Roberts the wrong way. (USA Today)
Figure we all know that Obamacare will, if it doesn’t die of its myriad contradictions first, render medical care more expensive by virtue of this adolescent law presuming to decree it cheap by legislative fiat. (Forbes)
The statements were pretty much what you’d expect from a conservative Christian church: Expressions of disappointment and indignation about this “legislative fiat.” (The Huffington Post)
Betts has spent almost 30 years in the auto industry, working at companies including Michelin, Toyota, and Fiat Chrysler most recently, according to his LinkedIn page. (Business Insider)
Federal safety regulators are not done investigating Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s recall efforts, despite identifying issues with 23 recall campaigns involving more than 11 million vehicles. (The Detroit News)