1. (

• mandate ,
• authorization ,
• authorisation

) a document giving an official instruction or command ;

2. (

• authority ,
• authorization ,
• authorisation ,
• potency ,
• dominance ,
• say-so

) the power or right to give orders or make decisions; "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state" ;

3. (

• authority ,
• authorization ,
• authorisation ,
• sanction

) official permission or approval; "authority for the program was renewed several times" ;

4. (

• authorization ,
• authorisation ,
• empowerment

) the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrant ;