1. • noun - the power or right to give orders or make decisions
   • noun - (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
   • noun - an expert whose views are taken as definitive
   • noun - freedom from doubt
   • noun - an administrative unit of government
   • noun - official permission or approval
   • noun - an authoritative written work
2. • The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.
   • One that is invested with this power, especially a government or government officials: land titles issued by the civil authority.
   • Power assigned to another; authorization: Deputies were given authority to make arrests.
   • A public agency or corporation with administrative powers in a specified field: a city transit authority.
   • An accepted source of expert information or advice: a noted authority on birds; a reference book often cited as an authority.
   • A quotation or citation from such a source: biblical authorities for a moral argument.
   • A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.
   • Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience: political observers who acquire authority with age.
   • Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance: played the sonata with authority.

WORD BUILDER