1 [mass noun] the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience:he had absolute authority over his subordinatesa rebellion against those in authority
[often with infinitive] the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another:military forces have the legal authority to arrest drug traffickers
official permission; sanction:the money was spent without parliamentary authority
2 (often authorities) a person or organization having political or administrative power and control:health authorities issued a worldwide alert
3 [mass noun] the power to influence others, especially because of one’s commanding manner or one’s recognized knowledge about something:he has the natural authority of one who is used to being obeyed
the confidence resulting from personal expertise:he hit the ball with authority
[count noun] a person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an expert:he was an authority on the stock market
[count noun] a book or other source able to supply reliable information or evidence:the court cited a series of authorities supporting their decision
have something on good authority
have ascertained something from a reliable source:I have it on good authority that there is a waiting list of up to five weeks
