noun · academic
sovereignty
UK/ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti/US/ˈsɑː.vərən.ti/SOV·re·ign·ty
the supreme legal authority of a state to govern itself without external interference
Examples
“Many leaders argue that protecting national sovereignty is essential for stability.”
“Disputes over sovereignty frequently involve contested borders or resources.”
“International law recognises state sovereignty but also sets limits in cases of gross human rights abuses.”
Band 8 sentence
“Protecting national sovereignty is often presented as a legitimate response to foreign interference, yet unchecked sovereignty can also be used to justify abuses at home.”
Collocations
- national sovereignty
- sovereignty over
- exercise sovereignty
Word family
Common mistakes
a sovereignty→sovereignty
The sovereignty of the country have been challenged.→The sovereignty of the country has been challenged.
Say it for a higher band
5power→6independence→7+sovereignty
Synonyms
independence
autonomy
Easily confused
independence
“Many former colonies celebrated independence after World War II.”
Related words
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In Society & Government
Learn it with its set