sov

noun

Pronunciation: /sɒv/

Definition

Supreme authority or power, especially that of a state over its own territory and internal affairs.

Examples

• The treaty was designed to protect the sov of the smaller nation against external interference.

• Disputes over maritime borders often center on questions of national sov.

• The government argued that the new regulations were a necessary exercise of its legislative sov.

How to Use sov

national sov (collocation)

the authority of a state to govern itself — "The country fought to maintain its national sov against foreign influence."

exercise sov (collocation)

to use one's supreme authority — "The parliament met to exercise its sov over the disputed territory."

Synonyms of sov

Words with a similar meaning to sov:

• power
• control
• autonomy
• supremacy

Antonyms of sov

Words with the opposite meaning to sov:

• dependence
• subjection

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