Entry Word: authority

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field <the leading authority on neural anatomy> — see expert
2 lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation) <the sheriff had authority over the whole county> — see rule 2
3 the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly <speaks with a persuasive authority on matters of public health> — see influence 1
4 the right or means to command or control others <by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married> — see power 1