Power & Authority Vocabulary

leadership or dominance, especially of one nation over others

“The empire maintained hegemony over the region for centuries.”

supreme power or authority; self-governance

“The nation defended its sovereignty against foreign interference.”

the right or condition of self-government; independence

“The department was granted autonomy to make its own decisions.”

a system of government by one person with absolute power

“The autocracy suppressed all forms of dissent.”

a government in which power is held by a small group

“Critics claimed the country was really an oligarchy controlled by the wealthy.”

government by the wealthy; a ruling wealthy class

“Some argue democracy has devolved into plutocracy.”

government or holding of power by people selected based on ability

“The company claimed to be a meritocracy where talent was rewarded.”

the exercise of absolute power, especially cruelly

“The people suffered under years of despotism.”

cruel and oppressive government or rule

“The revolution overthrew the tyranny that had lasted decades.”

the action of bringing under domination or control

“The subjugation of the native population was brutal.”

the exercise of control or influence over others

“The company's market domination concerned regulators.”

the state of being supreme; highest authority

“The court's supremacy in interpreting the law was established.”

the official power to make legal decisions and judgments

“The matter fell outside the court's jurisdiction.”

a right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group

“Declaring war is a prerogative of Congress.”

an official order or commission; authority granted by voters

“The landslide victory gave her a mandate for reform.”

an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority

“The king issued an edict banning public gatherings.”

an official order issued by a legal authority

“The decree established new regulations for the industry.”

an order or principle that must be obeyed

“Fashion dictates changed dramatically each season.”

a formal authorization or decree; an arbitrary order

“The decision was made by executive fiat.”

to take a position of power illegally or by force

“The general usurped control from the elected government.”

a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience

“Totalitarianism suppresses individual freedom entirely.”

a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority

“The country descended into anarchy after the government collapsed.”