authority - noun

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

(usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others

an expert whose views are taken as definitive

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

an administrative unit of government

official permission or approval

an authoritative written work

authority - thesaurus

agency   assurance   authorisation   authorization   bureau   confidence   dominance   office   potency   sanction   sureness