VocabDictionary

jurisdiction

/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments, or the territory or sphere of activity over which legal authority extends.

Example Sentences:
  • The federal court has no jurisdiction over local traffic violations.
  • The dispute fell outside the geographic jurisdiction of the regional police department.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “jurisdiction”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French *jurisdiction*, or from Latin *jurisdictio*, from *jus, jur-* 'law' + *dictio* 'speaking' (from *dicere* 'to say'). Originally denoting the administration of justice, the term later expanded to mean the extent of power or legal authority.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'jury' (people of the law) plus 'diction' (speaking/declaring authority). Where the jury speaks, the court has jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions About “jurisdiction

1. What is the meaning of “jurisdiction” in English?

In English, jurisdiction (noun) is defined as: “The official power to make legal decisions and judgments, or the territory or sphere of activity over which legal authority extends.”.

2. How do you use “jurisdiction” in a sentence?

The federal court has no jurisdiction over local traffic violations.

3. What are English synonyms of “jurisdiction”?

Common synonyms include:authority,control,dominion,power,range

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “jurisdiction”?

Late Middle English: from Old French *jurisdiction*, or from Latin *jurisdictio*, from *jus, jur-* 'law' + *dictio* 'speaking' (from *dicere* 'to say'). Originally denoting the administration of justice, the term later expanded to mean the extent of power or legal authority.