Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Definition authority in American English

authority noun

noun
/ɔˈθɔrəti/
1

the power to make decisions or tell people what to do

Example

In practice it is difficult for the President to exercise his authority.

Example

They don't have the authority to close the canal.

Example

Parents have legal authority over their children.

Synonyms and related words
oligopolysuperpowerheft
1.1

the power to influence other people because they respect your opinions or knowledge

Example

It is a subject on which she can write with authority.

Synonyms and related words
oligopolysuperpowerheft
1.2

the power to make other people obey you because of a quality in the way you speak or behave

Example

There was a tone of authority in her voice.

Synonyms and related words
oligopolysuperpowerheft
Example

The girl told the authorities that she had been kidnapped from her home.

Example

The French authorities have refused to issue him a visa.

3

an organization or institution that controls something, often a public service

Example

the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Example

The rules are set by the city transit authority.

Synonyms and related words
structureinstitutionbureau
4

someone who is considered an expert in a particular subject

Example

Charles was an authority on antique musical instruments.

Synonyms and related words
expertauthorityspecialist
4.1

something such as a book that people respect because it contains a great deal of knowledge about a particular subject

Example

The book is widely acknowledged to be the authority on regional expressions.

Synonyms and related words
almanacannualanthology
Example

Do you have an authority to support this submission?

Synonyms and related words
acquitacquittalaffiliation order
5

official permission to do something

Example

He believed he had authority to ride the bike.

Synonyms and related words
permissionconsentapproval
Definition authority in American English