authorities

1.

the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

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he had absolute authority over his subordinates

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power jurisdiction command control mastery charge dominance dominion rule sovereignty ascendancy supremacy domination influence sway leverage hold grip clout pull muscle teeth drag

2.

a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere.

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the health authorities

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officials officialdom the administration the establishment the system the powers that be Big Brother

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author authority authorize co-author