authority

Definitions of authority in various dictionaries:

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

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.

AUTHORITY - Authority derives from the Latin word auctoritas and is a concept used to indicate the right to exercise power, which can be formalized by a state an...