power of attorney

noun phrase

: a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or agent of the grantor

Examples of power of attorney in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cut to the next scene, with Jeff and Larry signing the power of attorney over to Susie, each wearing an eye patch — Larry because of the keys toss; Jeff presumably because an angry Susie socked him. Sarah Nechamkin, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2024 His financial assets are held in a trust, with Hard named as trustee as well as Wilson’s power of attorney. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2024 That violated the scope of the power of attorney agreement, prosecutors say. The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024 The charges stem from Hill meeting with the 96-year-old woman in March 2021, taking power of attorney over her a month later and allegedly exploiting her financially for about three years, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024 Bailey spends much of her time teaching and training others on obtaining and using powers of attorney, executing wills, understanding trusts, and understanding the yearly changes in Medicaid. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2024 In the above story, the author suggests that older clients need a financial power of attorney. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 But the next day, Kruse says Froch sent her a cease-and-desist on behalf of Presley, revoking her power of attorney and alleging self-dealing. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2024 Through this collaboration, an estate lawyer helped an individual living with ALS create a will and power of attorney. Anna Chu, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power of attorney.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of power of attorney was in 1716

Dictionary Entries Near power of attorney

Cite this Entry

“Power of attorney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20of%20attorney. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

Legal Definition

power of attorney

: an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates especially upon revocation by the principal or death of the principal or agent

called also letter of attorney

durable power of attorney
: a power of attorney that becomes effective immediately and is not affected by the principal's subsequent incapacity or that becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacity
general power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal compare special power of attorney in this entry
health care power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing an agent to make health care decisions in the event of incapacity

called also medical power of attorney

irrevocable power of attorney
: a power of attorney that cannot be revoked by the principal
special power of attorney
: a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business transaction for the principal
springing power of attorney
: a power of attorney that comes into effect only upon the occurrence of a specified condition (as the incapacity of the principal)

More from Merriam-Webster on power of attorney

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