Proclaim, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proclaimed; p. pr. & vb. n. Proclaiming.]
Etymology: [OE. proclamen, L. proclamare; pro before, forward + clamare to call or cry out: cf. F. proclamer. See Claim.]
1. To make known by public announcement; to give wide publicity to; to publish abroad; to promulgate; to declare; as, to proclaim war or peace. To proclaim liberty to the captives. Isa. lxi. 1. For the apparel oft proclaims the man. Shak. Throughout the host proclaim A solemn council forthwith to be held. Milton.
2. To outlaw by public proclamation. I heard myself proclaimed. Shak.
Syn. -- To publish; promulgate; declare; announce. See Announce.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for proclaim; he lists it under announce, avow.
Where he writes about it:
Declare has often an authoritative force; to declare war is to cause war to be, where before there may have been only hostilities; we say declare war, proclaim peace. — from announce