Authority definition, the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine. See more.

au•thor•i•ty. (əˈθɔr ɪ ti, əˈθɒr-) n., pl. -ties. 1. the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues; the right to control, command, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization. 3. a person or body of persons in whom authority is vested, as a governmental agency. 4.

1 a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field. the leading authority on neural anatomy. Synonyms for authority. ace, adept, artist, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack.

noun plural noun authorities. 1 The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. ‘he had absolute authority over his subordinates’. More example sentences. ‘a rebellion against those in authority’. ‘positions of authority’. ‘they acted under the authority of the UN Security Council’.

AUTHORITY, government. The right and power which an officer has in the exercise of a public function to compel obedience to his lawful commands. A judge, for example, has authority to enforce obedience to his not being correct. Merlin, Repertoire, mot Authentique.