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.
She had a lasting power of attorney, meaning she could act on behalf of her mum and set up safeguards for her accounts.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
Who has power of attorney if one of you gets seriously ill or injured?
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
Attorneys should not, for example, add their names to a client’s bank account or use the power of attorney document against a client’s wishes.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026
Guardians, meanwhile, are appointed by the courts and have immense powers, while power of attorney is set up by the principal.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 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.
