► rule an official instruction that says how things must be done or what is allowed, especially in a game, organization, or job: Employees are expected to obey certain rules. Elizabeth was expelled for breaking the school’s rules.
► regulation an official rule or order: Airlines must follow strict safety regulations.
► law a rule that people in a particular country, city, or state must obey: There is a state law that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets.
► ordinance a law, usually of a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity: Police say he was violating the city’s sound ordinance.
► statute formal an official law: A federal statute prohibits sex discrimination.
► restriction a rule or set of laws that limits what you can do or what is allowed to happen: Congress is considering new restrictions on immigration.
► code a set of rules, laws, or principles that tells people how to behave in a particular place or situation: Does your school have a dress code?
► guidelines rules or instructions about the best way to do something: The Department of Health publishes guidelines for a healthy diet.
► protocol formal a system of rules about the correct way to behave on an official occasion: Strict protocol must be followed when meeting the president.
► principles basic moral rules or beliefs about what is right or wrong, which affect your behavior: It’s against my principles to download music without paying for it.
► precept formal a general rule or idea that helps you decide how to think or behave in a situation: He tries to live according to the precepts of Buddhism.