- authority */*/*/
- UK [ɔːˈθɒrətɪ] / US [ɔˈθɔrətɪ]
noun
Word forms "authority":
singular authority plural authorities1)a) [countable] someone who is considered an expert in a particular subjectauthority on:Charles was an authority on antique musical instruments.
b) something such as a book that people respect because it contains a lot of knowledge about a particular subjectauthority on:The book is widely acknowledged to be the authority on regional English expressions.
2) the authorities[plural] the police or people in other official organizations with legal power to make people obey laws or rulesThe girl told the authorities that she had been kidnapped from her home.
The French authorities have refused to issue him a visa.
3) [countable] an organization or institution that controls something, often a public serviceShe took her complaint to the local health authority.
The rules are set by the passenger transport authority.
See:4) [uncountable] the power to make decisions or tell people what to dohave the authority to do something:In practice it is difficult for the President to exercise his authority.
authority over:They don't have the authority to close the canal.
Parents have legal authority over their children.
a) the power to influence other people because they respect your opinions or knowledgewith authority:It is a subject on which she can write with authority.
b) the power to make other people obey you because of a quality in the way you speak or behaveThere was a tone of authority in her voice.
5) [uncountable] formal official permission to do somethingHe believed he had authority to ride the bike.
•I have it on good authority (that)
— used for saying that your information comes from someone you trust
English dictionary. 2014.