sovereignty

Word parts

sovereign + -ty

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈsɒv.rən.ti/ or /ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

Singular sovereignty

Plural sovereignties

1. (countable & uncountable) A country's sovereignty is its ability to create its own laws and control its own area without being influenced by other countries.
   • Synonyms: autonomy, independence and self-government

   Hong Kong's sovereignty was transferred to China in 1997.

   The decision was a blatant attack on national sovereignty.

2. (countable & uncountable) A ruler's sovereignty is their supreme power over everything.

Related words

• sovereign