authority

US /əˈθɔrɪti, əˈθɑr-, ɔˈθɔr-, ɔˈθɑr-/

UK /ɔ:ˈθɒrəti/

A2

noun

  • The power to give orders to people
  • Person who is an expert on a particular topic
  • Expert knowledge on a given subject
  • The power to decide or approve things
  • a group of people who have the official power to make decisions

Examples

She holds a position of authority in the local church.

This can only be done under the authority of the government minister.