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Synonyms

jurisdiction

American  
[joor-is-dik-shuhn] / ˌdʒʊər ɪsˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

  1. the right, power, or authority to administer justice by hearing and determining controversies.

  2. power; authority; control.

    He has jurisdiction over all American soldiers in the area.

  3. the extent or range of judicial, law enforcement, or other authority.

    This case comes under the jurisdiction of the local police.

  4. the territory over which authority is exercised.

    All islands to the northwest are his jurisdiction.


jurisdiction British  
/ ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən /

noun

  1. the right or power to administer justice and to apply laws

  2. the exercise or extent of such right or power

  3. power or authority in general

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • jurisdictional adjective
  • jurisdictionally adverb
  • jurisdictive adjective
  • prejurisdiction noun
  • superjurisdiction noun

Etymology

Origin of jurisdiction

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin jūris dictiōn-, stem of jūris dictiō, literally, “a saying of law,” from jūris, genitive of jūs “law, right” ( jus 1 ( def. ) ) + dictiō “rhetorical delivery, a saying” ( diction ); replacing Middle English jurediccioun, from Old French juredicion, from Latin, as above

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.

Instead, it retains jurisdiction indefinitely, so support can be modified or even terminated if there are significant changes in either party’s financial circumstances.

From MarketWatch

He said this had coincided with "determined measures" by the Hong Kong authorities "to extend their reach beyond their jurisdiction in relation to people of interest to them".

From BBC

A subsequent petition by the Utah regulator to assume control of the A-CAP insurers in its jurisdiction was dismissed following out-of-court mediation.

From Barron's

A few commended Chait personally but said he had fallen short in managing school safety issues — which were under his jurisdiction in his immediate previous role as chief of operations.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutions for insider betting on international conflicts have already started in some jurisdictions.

From MarketWatch