›[U]the official power to make decisions for other people or to tell them what they must do: The Executive Committee can delegate authority to the Chairperson.He did not have enough authority within the company to make the decision.the authority to do sthThe federal government has the authority to regulate phone service provided over the internet.authority over sbThe accrediting board is the legal body with authority over the institution.
›[U]official permission or the legal right to do something: grant/give sb authority to do sthUnder the new plan, counties would be given the authority to raise sales tax levels.the authority to do sthThe company had the owner's authority to contract on his behalf.
›[usually plural]GOVERNMENTan official organization, often created by the government, which is responsible for managing a particular duty or service: the authoritiesAll staff who work at the school must be registered and checked by the authorities.the housing/transit/tax authorityThe city's housing authority provides assisted housing for more than 130,000 residents.
›[U]the ability to influence other people and make them respect you, especially because you are confident or have a lot of knowledge: When answering questions at a job interview, be sure to speak clearly and with authority.As a manager he lacks authority.
›[C]someone who is an expert on a particular subject, and whose opinions influence other people: an authority on sthToday's speaker is one of the nation's leading authorities on fund-raising for non-profit groups.
