sovereignty

[ sov-rin-tee, suhv- ]

noun

, plural sov·er·eign·ties.

1. the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.
2. the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign; royal rank or position; royalty.
3. supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.
4. rightful status, independence, or prerogative.
5. a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

sovereignty

/ ˈsɒvrəntɪ /

noun

1. supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state
2. the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign
3. an independent state

sovereignty

1. A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.

Other Words From

• self-sover·eign·ty noun
• super·sover·eign·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sovereignty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereynete, from Old French soverainete, equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty ²

Example Sentences

Some French media speculated that Sansal had been arrested in connection with a recent interview in which he appeared to question Algerian historic sovereignty over parts of its territory adjoining Morocco.

From BBC

The row comes at a time of worsening tensions between Algeria and France, triggered by President Emmanuel Macron’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

From BBC

“This will be the year” for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said after the election.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the changes, a large attack on Russia with conventional missiles, drones or aircraft could meet the criteria for a nuclear response, as could an attack on Belarus or any critical threat to Russia's sovereignty.

From BBC

On Monday, Smotrich said that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty" in the West Bank, adding that he had instructed Israeli authorities to begin preparatory work for annexation of the occupied territory.

From BBC

Related Words

• dominance
• jurisdiction
• supremacy