authority authority /əˈθɔrəti/

noun

1. () The power or right to give orders or make decisions  ( authorisation [British] , authorization , dominance , authority , potency , say-so )
   the power or right to give orders or make decisions
    He has the authority to issue warrants
   he has the authority to issue warrants
    Deputies are given authorization to make arrests
   deputies are given authorization to make arrests
    A place of potency in the state
   a place of potency in the state
   
2. () (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others  ( authority )
   (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
    The authorities have issued a curfew
   the authorities have issued a curfew
   
3. () An expert whose views are taken as definitive  ( authority )
   an expert whose views are taken as definitive
    He is an authority on corporate law
   he is an authority on corporate law
   
4. () Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities  ( self-assurance , sureness , authority , assurance , confidence , self-confidence )
   freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
    His assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
   his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
    After that failure he lost his confidence
   after that failure he lost his confidence
    She spoke with authority
   she spoke with authority
   
   
5. () Official permission or approval  ( authorisation [British] , authorization , sanction , authority )
   official permission or approval
    Authority for the program was renewed several times
   authority for the program was renewed several times
   
6. () An administrative unit of government  ( federal agency , government agency , authority , agency , bureau , office )
   an administrative unit of government
    The Central Intelligence Agency
   the Central Intelligence Agency
    The Census Bureau
   the Census Bureau
    Office of Management and Budget
   Office of Management and Budget
    Tennessee Valley Authority
   Tennessee Valley Authority
   
7. An authoritative written work  ( authority )
   an authoritative written work
    This book is the final authority on the life of Milton
   this book is the final authority on the life of Milton