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

As the debate unfolds, the National Guard clashes reflect a broader national conversation about federal power, state sovereignty, and the line between law enforcement and militarization.

From Salon

She said the use of the military to quell unrest without the state of Oregon consenting risks the sovereignty of that state and others.

From BBC

“It’s a little thing called state sovereignty, but given the President’s propensity to violate the Constitution, it’s unsurprising that he’s unfamiliar with it.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future."

From BBC

“He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dominance 
• jurisdiction 
• supremacy