the group of people with official legal power to make decisions or make people obey the laws in a particular area, such as the police or a local government department

I'm going to report these potholes to the authorities. 这条路路面坑坑洼洼，我要把这一情况报告给有关部门。

If you have a motor accident, notify the authorities and call your insurance company.

The authorities promised to investigate the source of the flooding.

We are cooperating fully with the authorities on this matter.

These shady business practices have not been challenged by the authorities here.

See also: authority (POWER)