sovereignty

[sov-rin-tee, suhv-]

noun

plural

sovereignties 

1. the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.

2. the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign; royal rank or position; royalty.

3. supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.

4. rightful status, independence, or prerogative.

5. a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

sovereignty

/ ˈsɒvrəntɪ /

noun

1. supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state

2. the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign

3. an independent state

sovereignty

1. A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.

Other Word Forms

• self-sovereignty noun
• supersovereignty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sovereignty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereynete, from Old French soverainete, equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty ²

Example Sentences

The actions "seriously damaged China's national sovereignty, security and development interests", the statement added.

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Because each state under this treaty expressly retained its “sovereignty,” the best reading was that each state would decide for itself who was and was not a citizen of that state.

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It would signal a shift in U.S. policy from a neutral position to one that actively aligns with Beijing against Taiwanese sovereignty—a change that could further cement Xi’s hold on power at home.

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“Before the eyes of the world,” he said, “Brazil sent a message to all would-be autocrats and those who support them. Our democracy and our sovereignty are nonnegotiable.”

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“We will, step by step, fine-tune the military machinery of this powerful national movement, defending our peace, our sovereignty and our right to the future,” Maduro said.

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Related Words

• dominance 
• jurisdiction 
• supremacy