power of attorney
Americannoun
noun
-
legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters
-
the document conferring such authority
Etymology
Origin of power of attorney
First recorded in 1740–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When Kant first realized the importance of naming a power of attorney, she didn’t know whom to choose at the time, and put off the decision.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
It is not clear whether your friend’s sister is acting as an executor, a trustee under a trust or even as an agent with a power of attorney.
From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026
Key estate-planning documents include a will and power of attorney for financial and medical decisions in case you become incapacitated.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
State law varies in what authority is permitted under a power of attorney.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
I hoped Mom would be in charge of whatever the power of attorney thing was.
From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
