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

A joint U.S.-Mexico statement on binational cooperation stressed “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity ... as well as mutual trust.”

From Los Angeles Times

As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is under the sovereignty of the UK, but with a high level of internal self-governance.

From BBC

Syria's foreign ministry condemned Tuesday's strike as a violation of international law and a breach of its sovereignty.

From BBC

Sheinbaum has said repeatedly that her government views any unilateral U.S. action on Mexican territory as an egregious violation of sovereignty.

From Los Angeles Times

But he also reserved some anger for the Lebanese government, saying that this was another series in its “squandering of national sovereignty.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dominance 
• jurisdiction 
• supremacy