WordWeb Online

1. The power or right to give orders or make decisions
   "he has the authority to issue warrants";
   - authorization, authorisation [Brit], potency, dominance, say-so
    
2. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
   "the authorities have issued a curfew"
    
3. An expert whose views are taken as definitive
   "he is an authority on corporate law"
    
4. Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
   "she spoke with authority";
   - assurance, self-assurance, confidence, self-confidence, sureness
    
5. An administrative unit of government
   "Tennessee Valley Authority";
   - agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office
    
6. Official permission or approval
   "authority for the program was renewed several times";
   - authorization, authorisation [Brit], sanction, clearance
    
7. An authoritative written work
   "this book is the final authority on the life of Milton"

Derived forms: authorities

See also: certain, incertain [non-standard], sure, uncertain, unsure

Type of: administrative body, administrative unit, book, certainty, control, expert, individual, mortal, permission, person, somebody, someone, soul

Encyclopedia: Authority, Civil