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