authority

(noun)

noun

1. the power or right to give orders or make decisions

- he has the authority to issue warrants

- deputies are given authorization to make arrests

Similar word(s): authorization, dominance, potency

Definition categories: attribute, control

2. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others

- the authorities have issued a curfew

Definition categories: person, individual, mortal, somebody, someone, soul

3. an expert whose views are taken as definitive

- he is an authority on corporate law

Definition categories: person, expert

4. freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

- she spoke with authority

Similar word(s): assurance, confidence, sureness

Definition categories: thought, certainty

5. an administrative unit of government

- Tennessee Valley Authority

Similar word(s): agency, bureau, office

Definition categories: group

6. official permission or approval

- authority for the program was renewed several times

Similar word(s): authorization, sanction

Definition categories: attribute, permission

7. an authoritative written work

- this book is the final authority on the life of Milton

Definition categories: communication, book

Sentences with authority as a noun:

- I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them.

- She lost all her respect and authority after turning up drunk to the meeting.

- Respect my authority!

- the world's foremost authority on orangutans