Definition of authority

noun (n)

• the power or right to give orders or make decisions (noun.attribute)

  Synonym: authorisation, authorization, dominance, potency, say-so
  

  Example:
  He has the authority to issue warrants.
  

  source: wordnet30
• (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others (noun.person)

  source: wordnet30
• an expert whose views are taken as definitive (noun.person)

  Example:
  He is an authority on corporate law.
  

  source: wordnet30
• freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities (noun.cognition)

  Synonym: assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence, sureness
  

  Example:
  She spoke with authority.
  

  source: wordnet30
• an administrative unit of government (noun.group)

  Synonym: agency, bureau, federal agency, government agency, office
  

  Example:
  Tennessee Valley Authority.
  

  source: wordnet30
• official permission or approval (noun.attribute)

  Synonym: authorisation, authorization, sanction
  

  Example:
  Authority for the program was renewed several times.
  

  source: wordnet30
• an authoritative written work (noun.communication)

  Example:
  This book is the final authority on the life of Milton.
  

  source: wordnet30
• Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court. (noun)

  source: webster1913

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