This is the 9375th most frequent French word.
dicter
"Dicter" means "to dictate" in English.
Here, 'dicter' is used in its literal sense, meaning to speak or specify words for someone else to write down.
Le professeur va dicter une lettre aux élèves.
The teacher will dictate a letter to the students.
In this sentence, 'dicter' is used figuratively, suggesting that fear influences or determines someone's behavior.
Sa peur du rejet peut lui dicter sa façon d'agir.
His fear of rejection may dictate his way of acting.
Here, 'dicter' refers to formally stating or imposing rules or guidelines for organization and compliance.