authority

noun

UK /ɔːˈθɒrəti/

Word Forms

singular	authority
plural	authorities

1
countable someone who is considered an expert in a particular subject
authority on:
Charles was an authority on antique musical instruments.
Synonyms and related words
Educated people and experts
expert
authority
specialist
1. 1a
  something such as a book that people respect because it contains a lot of knowledge about a particular subject
  authority on:
  The book is widely acknowledged to be the authority on regional English expressions.
  Synonyms and related words
  Types of published book
  almanac
  annual
  anthology
2. 1b
  legala previous legal case or decision which is used to support legal arguments in the current case
  Do you have an authority to support this submission?
  Synonyms and related words
  Judgments, verdicts and official orders
  acquit
  acquittal
  affiliation order
2

the authorities
plural the police or people in other official organizations with legal power to make people obey laws or rules
The girl told the authorities that she had been kidnapped from her home.
The French authorities have refused to issue him a visa.
Synonyms and related words
General words for the police
the authorities
the boys in blue
constabulary
3
countable an organization or institution that controls something, often a public service
She took her complaint to the local health authority.
The rules are set by the passenger transport authority.
Synonyms and related words
General words for organizations and institutions
structure
institution
bureau
See alsolocal authority
4
uncountable the power to make decisions or tell people what to do
In practice it is difficult for the President to exercise his authority.
have the authority to do something:
They don’t have the authority to close the canal.
authority over:
Parents have legal authority over their children.
Synonyms and related words
Power, authority, influence and leadership
leadership
power
authority
1. 4a
  the power to influence other people because they respect your opinions or knowledge
  with authority:
  It is a subject on which she can write with authority.
  Synonyms and related words
  Power, authority, influence and leadership
  leadership
  power
  authority
2. 4b
  the power to make other people obey you because of a quality in the way you speak or behave
  There was a tone of authority in her voice.
  Synonyms and related words
  Power, authority, influence and leadership
  leadership
  power
  authority
5
uncountable formalofficial permission to do something
He believed he had authority to ride the bike.
Synonyms and related words
General words for permission
permission
consent
approval

phrases

I have it on good authority (that)

authority ​‌‌‌

the authorities

authority ​‌‌‌

the authorities

authority

authority