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sovereignty
/ˈsɒv.rən.ti/
supreme authority or independence
The country asserted its sovereignty over disputed territories.
The country claimed full control and authority over lands that others also claim.
Law
formal
The supreme power or authority of a state or nation to govern itself without external interference.
International law recognizes the sovereignty of all member nations.
Global legal principles acknowledge that each country has the right to self-govern.
Sovereignty is a fundamental concept in international relations and constitutional law.
general
The quality or state of being self-governing and independent.
The movement sought to restore the sovereignty of the indigenous people.
The group aimed to give back self-rule and autonomy to the native population.
Collocations
national sovereigntya country's right to govern itselfterritorial sovereigntycontrol over a specific geographic areasovereign statean independent country with full authority
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. General Use
In legal contexts, sovereignty refers to a state's authority, while in general use, it can describe personal independence.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether sovereignty is being discussed in a political, legal, or personal context.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'souveraineté,' from Old French 'sovereyneté,' from 'sovereyn' (supreme), from Latin 'superanus' (upper, superior).
Usage Notes
Sovereignty is often discussed in political and legal contexts, particularly in debates about international law, national borders, and self-determination.
Word Breakdown
sovereign
having supreme power or authority
root-ty
the state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary