authority

[ uh-thawr-i-tee, uh-thor- ]

noun

, plural au·thor·i·ties.

1. the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.

   Synonyms: persuasion, sway, power, rule

2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization:

   Who has the authority to grant permission?

3. a person or body of persons in whom authority is vested, as a governmental agency:

   The housing authority provides rental assistance payments to low-income residents.

   The bridges and piers are built and maintained by the Port Authority.

   Synonyms: arbiter, sovereign

4. Usually authorities. persons having the legal power to make and enforce the law; government:

   They finally persuaded the authorities that they were not involved in espionage.

5. an accepted source of information, advice, etc.:

   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading authority on vaccines and immunizations.

6. a quotation or citation from such a source.
7. an expert on a subject:

   He is an authority on baseball.

8. persuasive force; cogency:

   She spoke with authority.

9. a statute, court rule, or judicial decision that establishes a rule or principle of law; a ruling.
10. right to respect or acceptance of one's word, command, thought, etc.; commanding influence:

    the authority of a parent;

    the authority of a great writer.

11. mastery in execution or performance, as of a work of art or literature or a piece of music.
12. a warrant for action; justification.
13. testimony; witness.

authority

/ ɔːˈθɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the power or right to control, judge, or prohibit the actions of others
2. often plural a person or group of people having this power, such as a government, police force, etc
3. a position that commands such a power or right (often in the phrase in authority )
4. such a power or right delegated, esp from one person to another; authorization

   she has his authority

5. the ability to influence or control others

   a man of authority

6. an expert or an authoritative written work in a particular field

   he is an authority on Ming china

7. evidence or testimony

   we have it on his authority that she is dead

8. confidence resulting from great expertise

   the violinist lacked authority in his cadenza

9. capital when part of a name a public board or corporation exercising governmental authority in administering some enterprise

   Independent Broadcasting Authority

10. law
    1. a judicial decision, statute, or rule of law that establishes a principle; precedent
    2. legal permission granted to a person to perform a specified act

Other Words From

• an·ti·au·thor·i·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of authority¹

First recorded in 1200–50; earlier auct(h)oritie, from Latin auctōritās “power, influence, prestige,” equivalent to auctor “authority, originator, supporter” ( author ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of authority¹

C14: from French autorité, from Latin auctōritas, from auctor author

Example Sentences

With a more detailed picture of what that wind field looks like, disaster authorities can better prepare for storms before they make landfall.

From Science Daily

The authorities have accused him of provoking them, and he has been charged with inciting violence.

From BBC

India won the unofficial series of three matches 1-0 and Hassett reported back to the Australian cricket authorities that the Indians were worthy of an official Test series.

From BBC

The term "sanctuary city" has been popular in the US for more than a decade to describe places that limit their assistance to federal immigration authorities.

From BBC

Hezbollah’s own attacks have killed at least 31 soldiers and 45 civilians inside Israel, Israeli authorities say.

From BBC

Related Words

• force
• government
• jurisdiction
• rule

When To Use

What are other ways to say authority?

The noun authority refers to the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues. When should you use this noun over control or influence? Find out on Thesaurus.com.