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sovereignty

SOV-rin-tee /ˈsɒvrɪnti/

nounC1GRESATUPSC

academiclegalpolitical

Supreme authority, power, or governance possessed by a state or governing body over itself and its territory.

Implies both freedom from external political control (external sovereignty) and ultimate legal authority internally (internal sovereignty).

The story behind the word. From Old French 'soverainete', rooted in Vulgar Latin 'superanus' (chief, principal), derived from Latin 'super' (above). The spelling was altered by association with 'reign'.

Word relationships

supremacy: 'Supremacy' means being highest in authority, while 'sovereignty' is the specific political status of holding ultimate political authority.

subjugation: 'Subjugation' means being controlled by an external power, opposite to sovereign self-rule.

Commonly confused with

autonomy: Autonomy is freedom to manage local affairs within limits; sovereignty is absolute, ultimate political authority.

Word family

sovereign (noun / adjective): A supreme ruler, or possessing supreme authority.

Collocations

national sovereignty
popular sovereignty
infringe on sovereignty
state sovereignty

Example sentences

"Member nations often debate whether supranational treaties infringe upon national sovereignty." International law argument
"Sovereignty is absolute, indivisible, and permanent power over citizens." Political philosophical foundations

Memory hook

SOVEREIGN stands SO VERY HIGH above all other legal powers. Supreme authority over a domain.

When not to use

Do not confuse with simple autonomy; autonomy is self-governance subject to higher supreme law, while sovereignty is supreme law itself.

Fun facts

The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 is widely regarded as establishing the modern international system based on state sovereignty.