Autoridad (en. Authority)

/autoɾiˈðad/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Legal or moral capacity to influence decisions or behaviors.
The teacher has authority over his students.
El profesor tiene autoridad sobre sus alumnos.
Power that a state or institution has to enforce laws.
The local authorities are responsible for security in the city.
Las autoridades locales se encargan de la seguridad en la ciudad.
Person or entity that has the power to decide and enforce rules.
The health authority issued new regulations.
La autoridad sanitaria dictó nuevas normativas.

Etymology

From Latin 'auctoritas', which means 'power, influence'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to give authority
To confer power or recognition to someone.
dar autoridad
to act with authority
To exercise power decisively and firmly.
actuar con autoridad
to be under the authority of
To be subject to the control or supervision of someone.
estar bajo la autoridad de

Related Words

administrative authority
Entity responsible for public management.
autoridad administrativa
judicial authority
Power of the judicial system to apply and enforce laws.
autoridad judicial
political authority
Power held by those in government positions.
autoridad política

Slang Meanings

Power in the community
That group has a lot of authority in the neighborhood.
Ese grupo tiene mucha autoridad en el barrio.
social leadership
She is the authority on youth culture issues.
Ella es la autoridad en temas de cultura juvenil.