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

Explanation

If you have the freedom to decide something on your own, the decision is left to your discretion. You're in charge. Discretion traces back to the Latin verb discernere, "to separate, to discern," from the prefix dis-, "off, away," plus cernere, "separate, sift." If you use discretion, you sift away what is not desirable, keeping only the good. If you have the freedom to choose, something is "at your discretion." Watch out when you hear the phrase "viewer discretion advised" on TV or at the movies — you will most likely encounter profanity and violence.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

discretion

Time for recess is dependent on state laws, district policies, and school discretion.

From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026

That gives drugmakers discretion over when to say if they spot problems—even when hundreds of patients are already enrolled in a study or deciding whether to sign up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

Broadcast outlets retain editorial discretion, and federal law and the First Amendment sharply limit the commission’s ability to interfere with the content of news coverage.

From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026

While he has broad discretion over how the US recognises landmarks, other countries are not required to follow.

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

Everyone seemed to like them, even those who occasionally ate them, and rock bellies collected relationships in the same way squirrels gathered nuts—that is to say, with very little discretion.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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