authority

[ uh-thawr-i-tee, uh-thor- ]
/ əˈθɔr ɪ ti, əˈθɒr- /

noun, plural au·thor·i·ties.

Origin of authority

1200–50; earlier auct(h)oritie < Latin auctōritās; replacing Middle English autorite < Old French < L. See author, -ity

synonym study for authority

1. Authority, control, influence denote a power or right to direct the actions or thoughts of others. Authority is a power or right, usually because of rank or office, to issue commands and to punish for violations: to have authority over subordinates. Control is either power or influence applied to the complete and successful direction or manipulation of persons or things: to be in control of a project. Influence is a personal and unofficial power derived from deference of others to one's character, ability, or station; it may be exerted unconsciously or may operate through persuasion: to have influence over one's friends.

OTHER WORDS FROM authority

an·ti·au·thor·i·ty, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for authorities

British Dictionary definitions for authorities

authority
/ (ɔːˈθɒrɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

Word Origin for authority

C14: from French autorité, from Latin auctōritas, from auctor author