authorities

nounpower, control
nounexpert, animate or inanimate

Synonyms for authorities

noun power, control

Antonyms for authorities

Word Origin & History

early 13c., autorite "book or quotation that settles an argument," from Old French auctorité "authority, prestige, right, permission, dignity, gravity; the Scriptures" (12c.; Modern French autorité), from Latin auctoritatem (nominative auctoritas) "invention, advice, opinion, influence, command," from auctor "master, leader, author" (see author (n.)).

Usually spelled with a -c- in English till 16c., when it was dropped in imitation of the French. Meaning "power to enforce obedience" is from late 14c.; meaning "people in authority" is from 1610s. Authorities "those in charge, those with police powers" is recorded from mid-19c.

Example Sentences forauthorities

As to the possibility, however, the authorities are at loggerheads.

The authorities here have recommended him for promotion to the rank of Major.

Sanitation is ever the last thing thought of by French authorities.

Let us hope that the authorities of Toulon were equally on the alert.

He does seem to know something about the history of this place, on which we are authorities!

Pint of wine too, if they like it, and the authorities give permission.

He went to Scotland Yard despairing, and laid his case before the authorities there.

But I will not attempt to bolster my position with authorities.

His offence consisted in his resistance to the authorities who seized her.

Among his authorities and guides we are sorry to see that he has not included Hallam.

authorities

Synonyms for authorities

Antonyms for authorities

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