authority

au-thor-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

  2. 2.

    A person or organization having official power in a particular sphere.

  3. 3.

    An expert on a particular subject whose opinion is widely respected.

  4. 4.

    The confident quality of someone who knows a lot or who is respected.

Forms

plural: authorities

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in authority — Having official power.
  • •
    authority figure — A person who has power over others.
  • •
    speak with authority — To speak confidently and knowledgeably.
  • •
    have the authority — To have the right or power to do something.

Related words

Antonyms: powerlessness, subordination
See also: authorities, control, expert, power
Synonyms: control, expertise, jurisdiction, power

Etymology

From Old French autorité, from Latin auctoritas ("invention, advice, opinion, influence, command"), from auctor ("master, leader, author").