An authority is someone with official responsibility for a particular area of activity: [ C ] government / church authorities The authorities are the police or other government officials: Define authorities. authorities synonyms, authorities pronunciation, authorities translation, English dictionary definition of authorities. n.

Understanding the Context

pl. au thor i ties 1. a. The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.

Key Insights

b. One that is invested with this power, especially a... authorities Definitions of authorities noun the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit “the matter was referred to higher authorities ” The authorities are the people who have the power to make decisions and to make sure that laws are obeyed. This provided a pretext for the authorities to cancel the elections. The prison authorities have been criticised for not ending the protest more quickly.

Final Thoughts

Noun: authorities u'thor-u-teez or o'thó-ru-tiz [N. Amer], o'thó-ru-tee or u'thó-ru-tiz [Brit] The organization that is the governing authority of a political unit Authorities are individuals, groups, or organizations that hold power or have the right to give orders, make decisions, enforce laws or obligations, and command obedience. They are recognized or considered as being able to provide expert judgement, advice, or knowledge in a particular area.