sovereignty

[ sov-rin-tee, suhv- ]
/ ˈsɒv rɪn ti, ˈsʌv- /

noun, plural sov·er·eign·ties.

the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.
the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign;royal rank or position; royalty.
supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.
rightful status, independence, or prerogative.
a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

Origin of sovereignty

1300–50; Middle English soverainte < Anglo-French sovereynete (Old French soverainete), equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty2

OTHER WORDS FROM sovereignty

self-sov·er·eign·ty, noun su·per·sov·er·eign·ty, noun

Example sentences from the Web for sovereignty

British Dictionary definitions for sovereignty

sovereignty
/ (ˈsɒvrəntɪ) /

noun plural -ties

supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state
the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign
an independent state

Cultural definitions for sovereignty

sovereignty
[ (sov-ruhn-tee, sov-uhr-uhn-tee) ]

A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.