power of attorney

American  

noun

Law.

1. a written document given by one person or party to another authorizing the latter to act for the former.

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power of attorney British  

noun

1. legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters

2. the document conferring such authority

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Etymology

Origin of power of attorney

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

power of attorney

In fact, she prefers using them — Bell said she has power of attorney over an aging relative to whom she regularly mails checks, and uses checks to pay for medical expenses, donations and gifts.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

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

Update your will and set up a financial power of attorney.

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

Related Words

• agency
• authority
• delegation
• office