power of attorney

noun phrase

: a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or agent of the grantor

Examples of power of attorney in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Having a power of attorney in place, or at least a capable spouse or adult child, can make an elder’s wishes known, if not respected. —Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

Since the healthcare power of attorney has been signed, Trinity is in a position to make sure the client’s wishes are followed, and will advocate with hospitals and physicians. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

In July 1991, Wexner granted Epstein, who by then was managing his finances, a power of attorney. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026

In 1991, Epstein obtained power of attorney from Wexner, which enabled him to buy and sell assets on Wexner’s behalf. —Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for power of attorney

• burnie
• gurney
• journey
• tourney
• mcburney

Legal Definition

power of attorney

: an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates especially upon revocation by the principal or death of the principal or agent

called also letter of attorney

— durable power of attorney

: a power of attorney that becomes effective immediately and is not affected by the principal's subsequent incapacity or that becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacity

— general power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal compare special power of attorney in this entry

— health care power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing an agent to make health care decisions in the event of incapacity

called also medical power of attorney

— irrevocable power of attorney

: a power of attorney that cannot be revoked by the principal

— special power of attorney

: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business transaction for the principal

— springing power of attorney

: a power of attorney that comes into effect only upon the occurrence of a specified condition (as the incapacity of the principal)