sovereignty

[sov-rin-tee, suhv-]

noun

plural

sovereignties 

1. the quality or state of being sovereign, or of having supreme power or authority.

2. the status, dominion, power, or authority of a sovereign; royal rank or position; royalty.

3. supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community.

4. rightful status, independence, or prerogative.

5. a sovereign or independent state, community, or political unit.

sovereignty

/ ˈsɒvrəntɪ /

noun

1. supreme and unrestricted power, as of a state

2. the position, dominion, or authority of a sovereign

3. an independent state

sovereignty

1. A nation or state's supreme power within its borders. A government might respond, for example, to criticism from foreign governments of its treatment of its own citizens by citing its rights of sovereignty.

Other Word Forms

• self-sovereignty noun
• supersovereignty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sovereignty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English soverainte, from Anglo-French sovereynete, from Old French soverainete, equivalent to soverain sovereign + -ete -ty ²

Example Sentences

Lai, an outspoken defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and detested by China, has accused Beijing of "severely" affecting regional peace in the escalating spat.

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However Ukraine and other European nations have long argued that yielding to Russia’s core demands would seriously undermine Kyiv’s sovereignty and security.

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They might chafe at the regulatory sovereignty of American regulators, especially as other jurisdictions are attempting to establish themselves as crypto centers.

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"Allowing countries to attach their own interpretations to agreed language does not protect national sovereignty. It undermines multilateralism itself," Bridget Burns, executive director of the Women's Environment and Development Organization, told AFP.

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Ukraine confirmed the strikes on unspecified military targets Tuesday, calling them “a significant development that underscores Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.”

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Related Words

• dominance 
• jurisdiction 
• supremacy