Full authority refers to the complete power, control, or jurisdiction that is possessed by an individual or entity to make decisions, take action, or exercise command over a specific matter or area. It represents the highest level of authorization, granting the person or organization unrestricted freedom and autonomy to exercise their rights, responsibilities, and privileges without any limitations or constraints.
In the context of governance or leadership, full authority suggests that an individual or governing body possesses the utmost power and control to direct, regulate, and enforce policies, laws, or regulations. This includes the ability to make final decisions, issue orders, and enforce compliance without requiring approval or input from others. Full authority is often associated with leaders who are entrusted with the ability to make binding decisions and wield significant influence over their subordinates or constituents.
Understanding the concept of full authority also implies that the individual or entity has the capacity to act independently, without relying heavily on external guidance or supervision. It indicates a high level of expertise, competence, and trust bestowed upon the person or organization to oversee and manage a specific domain or function. Consequently, full authority comes with the expectation that the individual or entity will exercise their power responsibly, ethically, and in the best interest of those affected by their decisions.
The word "full" comes from the Old English "ful", which means "complete" or "entire". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fullaz". "Full" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning throughout its historical usage.
The word "authority" is derived from the Latin word "auctoritas", which refers to the influential power, control, or command possessed by someone. "Auctoritas" stems from the Latin verb "augere" meaning "to increase" or "to originate". This verb is also the origin of words like "augment" and "author".
The term "full authority" combines these two words to denote possessing complete or total control, power, or command over a specific situation or domain.