/ ɔːˈθɒrəti; NAmE əˈθɔːr-; əˈθɑːr-/ noun
( pl. -ies )
POWER
1.
[ U ] the power to give orders to people :
in a position of authority
She now has authority over the people who used to be her bosses.
Nothing will be done because no one in authority (= who has a position of power) takes the matter seriously.
2.
[ U ] authority (to do sth) the power or right to do sth :
Only the manager has the authority to sign cheques.
PERMISSION
3.
[ U ] official permission to do sth :
It was done without the principal's authority.
We acted under the authority of the UN.
ORGANIZATION
4.
[ C , usually pl. ] the people or an organization who have the power to make decisions or who have a particular area of responsibility in a country or region :
The health authorities are investigating the problem.
I have to report this to the authorities.
—see also local authority
KNOWLEDGE
5.
[ U ] the power to influence people because they respect your knowledge or official position :
He spoke with authority on the topic.
EXPERT
6.
[ C ] authority (on sth) a person with special knowledge
SYN specialist :
She's an authority on criminal law.
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IDIOMS
- have sth on good authority
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French autorite , from Latin auctoritas , from auctor , from augere increase, originate, promote.