authority

Universal Words noun power 1 [U] the power to give orders to people: in a position of authority * She now has authority over the people who used to be her bosses. * Nothing will be done because no one in authority (= who has a position of power) takes the matter seriously. 2 [U] ~ (to do sth) the power or right to do sth: Only the manager has the authority to sign cheques. * We have the authority to search this building. permission 3 [U] official permission to do sth: It was done without the principal's authority. * We acted under the authority of the UN. organization 4 [C,usually pl.] the people or an organization who have the power to make decisions or who have a particular area of responsibility in a country or region: The health authorities are investigating the problem. * I have to report this to the authorities. * the immigration authorities seealsoLOCALAUTHORITY knowledge 5 [U] the power to influence people because they respect your knowledge or official position: He spoke with authority on the topic. * the moral authority to run the country expert 6 [C] ~ (on sth) a person with special knowledge: She's an authority on criminal law. IDIOMS have sth on good authority to be able to believe sth because you trust the person who gave you the information: I have it on good authority that he is going to be promoted.