In sociology, authority is the legitimate or socially approved power which one person or a group possesses and practices over another.

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.

AUTHORITY definition: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine. See examples of authority used in a sentence.

AUTHORITY definition: 1. the moral or legal right or ability to control: 2. a group of people with official…. Learn more.

Authority, control, influence denote a power or right to direct the actions or thoughts of others.

1. the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues; the right to control, command, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization.

If you have the authority to do something, you have the right or power to do it. You are the big cheese. Or, if you know more about a topic than most, you are an authority on that topic. Giving someone …

authority, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Feb 9, 2026 · authority (countable and uncountable, plural authorities) (uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules, give orders, or impose obligation; or a position having such power or right.

In the fields of sociology and political science, authority is the legitimate power of a person or group over other people.