#1
authority n. [
authorization, authorisation, potency, dominance, say-so] the power or right to give orders or make decisions; "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state"
. wn #2
authority n. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others; "the authorities have issued a curfew"
. wn #3
authority n. an expert whose views are taken as definitive; "he is an authority on corporate law"
. wn #4
authority n. [
assurance, self-assurance, confidence, self-confidence, sureness] freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities; "his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular"; "after that failure he lost his confidence"; "she spoke with authority"
. wn #5
authority n. [
agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office] an administrative unit of government; "the Central Intelligence Agency"; "the Census Bureau"; "Office of Management and Budget"; "Tennessee Valley Authority"
. wn