What is the meaning of authority?

noun

• The power or right to give orders or make decisions.
  • usage: "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state"
  • synonyms: authorization, authorisation, potency, dominance, say-so
• Usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others. (
  • usage: "the authorities have issued a curfew"
• An expert whose views are taken as definitive.
  • usage: "he is an authority on corporate law"
• Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities.
  • usage: "his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular"; "after that failure he lost his confidence"; "she spoke with authority"
  • synonyms: assurance, self-assurance, confidence, self-confidence, sureness
• An administrative unit of government.
  • usage: "the Central Intelligence Agency"; "the Census Bureau"; "Office of Management and Budget"; "Tennessee Valley Authority"
  • synonyms: agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office
• Official permission or approval.
  • usage: "authority for the program was renewed several times"
  • synonyms: authorization, authorisation, sanction
• An authoritative written work.
  • usage: "this book is the final authority on the life of Milton"