agency

a-gen-cy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A business or organization that provides a specific service on behalf of others.

  2. 2.

    A government department responsible for a specific function.

  3. 3.

    The capacity or ability to act or exert power; autonomy.

  4. 4.

    Action or intervention producing a particular effect.

Forms

plural: agencies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    free agency — The state of being free to act independently; in sports, the status of a player not under contract.
  • •
    through the agency of — By means of; through the action of.
  • •
    advertising agency — A company that creates and manages advertisements.
  • •
    employment agency — A business that helps people find jobs.

Related words

See also: agencies, agent, organization
Synonyms: bureau, firm, office, organization

Etymology

From Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agens, agentis, present participle of agere ("to do, drive, act"). First recorded in English in the mid-17th century.