authority

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

noun

plural authorities.

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 Word Forms

• 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

Boeing has declined to comment on China’s decision and Chinese authorities have remained mum.

From Los Angeles Times

It follows a case between Global Radio and the council where a judge ordered the local authority to stop the "nuisance" caused by buskers.

From BBC

A man was fatally shot by Anaheim police Wednesday night following a dramatic, high-speed pursuit that ended when he crashed his truck on a bridge over the Santa Ana River, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

An estimated 1.4 billion packages entered the US under this arrangement last year, up from 140 million in 2013, according to US customs authorities.

From BBC

A Southern California 10-year-old was found safe Sunday, a day after being kidnapped by a stranger she had been communicating with on Roblox and the messaging platform Discord, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

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.