authority

Definition

Power or right to make or enforce rules, give orders, or impose obligation; or a position having such power or right.

Etymology

From Middle English auctorite, autorite (“authority, book or quotation that settles an argument”), from Old French auctorité, from Latin stem of auctōritās (“invention, advice, opinion, influence, command”), from auctor (“master, leader, author”). For the presence of the h, compare the etymology of author.

Example Sentences

• "I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them."
• "Vigilantes may have the power to nab criminals, but they lack the authority."
• "She lost all respect and authority after turning up drunk at the meeting."

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