discretion

American  

[dih-skresh-uhn] / dɪˈskrɛʃ ən /

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

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idioms

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

   They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.

discretion British  

/ 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

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discretion More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing discretion

• throw caution (discretion) to the winds

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Etymology

Origin of discretion

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

Example Sentences

However, if the original house was owned by the trust, the sale proceeds would legally need to go back into the trust unless the trust document gives the trustee discretion to reinvest them elsewhere.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Under Erisa, loyal and conflict-free retirement-plan fiduciaries have discretion and flexibility to determine the investments most likely to maximize risk-adjusted return for the retirement savers who participate in their plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Instead, guidelines on the way officers should exercise discretion have changed.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

But the coin is being issued in accordance with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's authority and discretion to mint and issue proof gold coins.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Once she would have reveled in showing it off to all her urchin friends, and making them goggle with fear, but Will had taught her the value of silence and discretion.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

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