authority

• Nom désignant le pouvoir ou le droit de donner des ordres, de prendre des décisions et d'exiger l'obéissance, ou une personne ou une organisation détenant ce pouvoir.

A noun referring to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, or a person or organization having this power.

1. Power or right to commandB1formal

   The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

   Autorité (pouvoir de commander)

   • The manager has the authority to approve expenses.
   • The police have the authority to enforce the law.
   • She acted without proper authority from the board.

   Synonymesauthorizationcommandcontroldominionjurisdictionmandatepowerprerogativesupremacysway

   Antonymesimpotencepowerlessnesssubordination

2. Expert or source of knowledgeB1formal

   A person or organization with specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field.

   Autorité (expert)

   • He is a leading authority on ancient Roman history.
   • The book is considered an authority on the subject.
   • The professor is an authority in the field of genetics.

   Synonymesarbiterconnoisseurexpertguruoraclepunditsagesourcespecialist

3. Official body or institutionB1formal

   An official organization or government body that has the power to make decisions or enforce rules.

   Autorité administrative

   • The local authorities are responsible for road maintenance.
   • The health authority issued a warning about the outbreak.
   • The education authority sets the curriculum for schools.

   Synonymesadministrationagencyboardbureaucommissioncouncildepartmentgovernmentinstitution