power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

The element of legitimacy is vital to the notion of authority and is the main means by which authority is distinguished from the more general concept of power. Power can be exerted by …

AUTHORITY definition: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine. See examples of authority used in a …

AUTHORITY definition: 1. the moral or legal right or ability to control: 2. a group of people with official…. Learn more.

Authority, control, influence denote a power or right to direct the actions or thoughts of others.

1. the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues; the right to control, command, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization.

If you have the authority to do something, you have the right or power to do it. You are the big cheese. Or, if you know more about a topic than most, you are an authority on that topic. …

authority, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Dec 14, 2025 · authority (countable and uncountable, plural authorities) (uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules, give orders, or impose obligation; or a position having such …

AUTHORITY meaning: 1 : the power to give orders or make decisions the power or right to direct or control someone or something; 2 : the confident quality of someone who knows a lot about …