discretion

[dih-skresh-uhn]

noun

1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice.

   It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.

2. the quality of being discreet, especially with reference to one's own actions or speech; prudence or decorum.

   Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.

   Synonyms: sense, discrimination, wisdom, judgment

discretion

/ dɪˈskrɛʃən /

noun

1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress

2. freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp in the phrases at one's own discretion, at the discretion of )

3. the age at which a person is considered to be able to manage his own affairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of discretion¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English discrecioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin discrētiōn-, stem of discrētiō “separation”; equivalent to discreet + -ion

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at discretion, at one's option or pleasure.

   They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.

More idioms and phrases containing discretion

• throw caution (discretion) to the winds

Example Sentences

But they say they have wide discretion to open or close customers’ accounts and can avoid customers who might cost them because of special monitoring for financial crimes or potential litigation.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Nor would the Fed retain full discretion over some decisions regarding its now-$6.6 trillion balance sheet, in his view.

Read more on Barron's

The federal department has argued that it has discretion to withhold funding and admonished the district for taking the agency to court.

Read more on Salon

The major questions doctrine is an originalist concept, but in the court’s view it may not apply to actions in the foreign policy realm – including tariffs – where the president has greater discretion.

Read more on Salon

“You may be removed, at my discretion, for cause,” citing the law and Pulte’s referral.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attention 
• foresight 
• maturity 
• prudence 
• responsibility 
• tact 
• vigilance 
• wisdom