authorities

Noun

• the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
  • "the matter was referred to higher authorities"
• the power or right to give orders or make decisions
• (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
  • "the authorities have issued a curfew"
• 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
• plural of authority
• The bodies that have political or administrative power and control in a particular sphere
• The bodies that enforce law and order or provide a public service

Synonyms

agency, assurance, authorisation, authority, authorization, bureau, confidence, dominance, federal agency, government, government agency, office, potency, regime, sanction, say-so, self-assurance, self-confidence, sureness