1. the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrant

Synonym: authorizationempowerment

2. official permission or approval

e.g. authority for the program was renewed several times

Synonym: authorityauthorizationsanction

3. the power or right to give orders or make decisions

e.g. he has the authority to issue warrants
deputies are given authorization to make arrests
a place of potency in the state

Synonym: authorityauthorizationpotencydominancesay-so

4. a document giving an official instruction or command

Synonym: mandateauthorization