sovereignty

/ˈsɒv.rən.ti/
nounIntermediate
⚖️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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

sovereign immunityphrase
legal protection for a state from being sued without its consent
sovereign citizenphrase
a person who rejects government authority, often based on false legal theories

💡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
suffix
English Dictionary