Sovereignty

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈsÉ’v.ɹən.ti/, /ˈsÉ’v.ɹɪn.ti

Origin

From Old French soverain, from Vulgar Latin root *superānus (cf. Italian sovrano, Spanish soberano) from Latin super ("above"). Plus the Latinate English suffix -ty. Spelling influenced by folk-etymology association with reign.

Full definition of sovereignty

Noun

1. (of a polity) The state of making laws and controlling resources without the coercion of other nations.
2. (of a ruler) Supreme authority over all things.
3. (of a person) The liberty to decide one's thoughts and actions.