authority; commanding influence
Refers to the power or influence to give orders and have them obeyed, often in a formal or organizational context. Slightly literary or formal in tone.
The new department head brought the organization together with strong authority.
The general's authority extended throughout the entire army.
Compound of 威 (power, authority) and 令 (order, command). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning of 'authority to command'.