noun
sovereignty
SAHV-run-tee/ˈsɑːvrənti/
Supreme authority to govern independently.
The treaty recognizes the nation's sovereignty over its territory.
Etymology
The quality of being “supreme” became a name for supreme authority itself. Applied to a territory, this developed into the idea of existence as an independent state.
In context
the body politic an absolute power over all its members and it is this same power which when directed by the general will bears as I said the name of sovereignty
More examples
- Tribal sovereignty allows tribes to govern many of their own affairs.
- In a democracy, sovereignty ultimately rests with the people.
- The country refuses to surrender its sovereignty to a foreign power.
Forms
sovereignty
sovereign adjective — Having supreme and independent governing authority.
Similar words
- autonomy
- Allows self-government without necessarily granting complete independence from others.
- independence
- Emphasizes freedom from outside control rather than supreme governing authority.