authorities

[əˈθɒrətiz]

authorities Definition

• 1. the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
• 2. a person or organization having official power in a particular area.

Using authorities: Examples

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

• Example

  The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

• Example

  The local authorities have issued a warning about the storm.

• Example

  The authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with the robbery.

authorities Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for authorities

• government
• administration
• leadership
• officials

Phrases with authorities

• the authorities

  the people or organizations that have official power in a particular area

  Example

  The authorities have not yet released any information about the accident.

• in authority

  having official power or control over something

  Example

  The manager is the person in authority in this office.

• challenge authority

  to question or resist those who have official power

  Example

  The students decided to challenge the authority of the school administration.

Origins of authorities

from Old French 'autorité', from Latin 'auctoritas', from 'auctor' meaning 'originator'

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Summary: authorities in Brief

The term 'authorities' [əˈθɒrətiz] refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It can also refer to a person or organization having official power in a particular area. Examples include 'The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.' and 'The local authorities have issued a warning about the storm.' Phrases like 'in authority' and 'challenge authority' use 'authority' to denote official power or control.