The Open Dictionary

authority

noun

UK/ɔːˈθɒr.ə.ti/
US/əˈθɔːr.ə.t̬i/

Definitions of authority noun

power

  1. B2Uncountable

    the legal or moral right or power to control someone or something

    • The United Nations exercised its authority to restore peace in the region.

    • We need the endorsement of someone who holds authority.

    • Their actions were illegal and not sanctioned by the city council.

  2. C1Countable

    an official organization or government department with responsibility for a particular area or activity

    • the public health authority

    • the local housing agency

expert

  1. C2Countable

    a person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an expert

    • She is a leading authority on 19th-century Irish history.

Phrases of authority noun

  • the authorities

    The term refers to the official bodies that hold the legal power to make decisions and enforce laws within a specific area, such as the police or a local government agency.

    • I need to report the poor condition of this road to the authorities.

Idioms

  • have something on good authority

    To possess information that is considered reliable due to a trustworthy source.

    • I have it on good authority that the company will announce a new merger next week.