agency

agen·cy

noun \ˈā-jən(t)-sē\

plural agen·cies

Definition of AGENCY

1

a : the office or function of an agent b : the relationship between a principal and that person's agent

2

: the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : operation

3

: a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : instrumentality <communicated through the agency of the ambassador>

4

: an establishment engaged in doing business for another <an advertising agency>

5

: an administrative division (as of a government) <the agency for consumer protection>

Examples of AGENCY

1. the federal agency in charge of printing money
2. <the federal agency charged with enforcing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms>

First Known Use of AGENCY

1640

Related to AGENCY

Synonyms: division, arm, branch, bureau, department, desk, office, service

Related Words: subdepartment, subdivision

see all synonyms and antonyms

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