authority Definition
- 1the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
- 2a 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
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.
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.
