authority

noun

1. the power or right to give orders or make decisions

   noun.attribute

   Examples

   He has the authority to issue warrants.

   Synonyms authorisation authorization dominance potency say-so

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others

   noun.person

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. an expert whose views are taken as definitive

   noun.person

   Examples

   He is an authority on corporate law.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   She spoke with authority.

   Synonyms assurance confidence self-assurance self-confidence sureness

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. an administrative unit of government

   noun.group

   Examples

   Tennessee Valley Authority.

   Synonyms agency bureau federal agency government agency office

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. official permission or approval

   noun.attribute

   Examples

   Authority for the program was renewed several times.

   Synonyms authorisation authorization sanction

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. an authoritative written work

   noun.communication

   Examples

   This book is the final authority on the life of Milton.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

8. Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the <i>authority</i> of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the <i>authority</i> of a court.

   noun

   Source: webster1913