authority

[əˈθɒrəti]

authority Definition

• 1. the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
• 2. a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere

Using authority: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "authority" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government has the authority to impose taxes.

• Example

  The teacher has the authority to discipline students.

• Example

  The company's CEO is the ultimate authority on all business decisions.

authority Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for authority

• power
• control
• command
• jurisdiction
• dominance

Antonyms for authority

• powerlessness
• subservience

Idioms Using authority

• the powers that be

  those in authority or control, especially in a particular organization or system

  Example

  The powers that be have decided to close the factory down.

• hold sway over

  have great power or influence over someone or something

  Example

  The charismatic leader held sway over his followers.

• throw one's weight around

  use one's power or authority to intimidate or dominate others

  Example

  The boss was always throwing his weight around in the office.

Phrases with authority

• in authority

  in a position of power or control

  Example

  The new manager is now in authority over the department.

• challenge authority

  question or resist the power or control of those in charge

  Example

  The protesters were challenging the authority of the police.

• have authority over

  have the power or right to give orders or make decisions about something or someone

  Example

  As the team leader, she has authority over all project-related decisions.

Origins of authority

from Old French 'autorité', from Latin 'auctoritas', from 'auctor' (author)

📌

Summary: authority in Brief

The term 'authority' [əˈθɒrəti] refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It can also refer to a person or organization having power or control in a particular sphere. Examples include 'The government has the authority to impose taxes.' and 'The company's CEO is the ultimate authority on all business decisions.' Phrases like 'in authority' and idioms like 'the powers that be' denote positions of power and control.