power of attorney
Americannoun
noun
-
legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters
-
the document conferring such authority
Etymology
Origin of power of attorney
First recorded in 1740–50
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.
Nonie, who had power of attorney for her parents and lived closest to them, kept her siblings informed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
But for people with dementia, the usual advance directives—such as a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare—may not be detailed enough.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026
Some even offer "power of attorney forms" – typically used to hand over legal decision-making to someone else – to convince targets the tickets are authentic.
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026
You will, of course, have to ask her if she would consent to hold durable power of attorney for you.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 4, 2026
I hoped Mom would be in charge of whatever the power of attorney thing was.
From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
