power of attorney: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, legal
Quick answer
What does “power of attorney” mean?
A legal document that grants one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on behalf of another (the principal) in specified legal, financial, or medical matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal document that grants one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on behalf of another (the principal) in specified legal, financial, or medical matters.
The authority or rights conferred by such a document; the agent holding this authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The legal concepts are functionally equivalent, but terminology and statutory frameworks differ. In the UK, a 'lasting power of attorney' (LPA) is common; in the US, 'durable power of attorney' is standard for ongoing authority upon incapacity.
Connotations
Neutral legal term in both varieties. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally frequent in legal and formal contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “power of attorney” in a Sentence
[Principal] grants [Agent] power of attorney to [verb]...[Agent] holds power of attorney for [Principal][Action] is performed under a power of attorneyVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for authorizing representatives to sign contracts, manage assets, or conduct transactions on behalf of a company or individual.
Academic
Studied in law, ethics, and business courses as a key instrument in agency law and estate planning.
Everyday
Discussed in contexts of aging, healthcare planning, or temporary delegation of personal affairs.
Technical
Precise legal instrument defined by statute; types vary by jurisdiction (e.g., springing, non-durable, healthcare).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power of attorney”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power of attorney”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power of attorney”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will power of attorney my brother').
- Confusing it with a 'will' (which takes effect after death).
- Omitting necessary articles (e.g., 'He has power of attorney' vs. 'He has a power of attorney').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf during your lifetime, while a will directs the distribution of your assets after death.
Yes, you can appoint multiple agents, either jointly (must act together) or severally (can act independently), depending on the document's terms.
It can expire on a specified date, upon revocation, or upon the principal's death. Some types, like a durable power of attorney, remain effective through incapacity.
The principal can revoke it while competent. A court may intervene if there is evidence of fraud, abuse, or if the agent acts beyond their granted authority.
A legal document that grants one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on behalf of another (the principal) in specified legal, financial, or medical matters.
Power of attorney is usually formal, legal in register.
Power of attorney: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpaʊər əv əˈtɜːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpaʊər əv əˈtɜːrni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hold someone's power of attorney”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a powerful attorney (lawyer) you trust, holding a document that gives them the POWER to act AS your ATTORNEY.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A TRANSFERABLE OBJECT (it can be granted, held, revoked, or executed).
Practice
Quiz
What distinguishes a 'durable' power of attorney?