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discretion

 - 5 dictionary results

dis⋅cre⋅tion

  [di-skresh-uhn]
Use discretion in a Sentence
–noun
1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice: It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.
2. the quality of being discreet, esp. with reference to one's own actions or speech; prudence or decorum: Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.
—Idiom
3. at discretion, at one's option or pleasure: They were allowed to work overtime at discretion.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME discrecioun < AF < LL discrētiōn- (s. of discrētiō). See discreet, -ion

Synonyms:
2. judgment, wisdom, discrimination, sense.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dis·cre·tion   (dĭ-skrěsh'ən)   
n.  

  1. The quality of being discreet; circumspection. See Synonyms at prudence.

  2. Ability or power to decide responsibly.

  3. Freedom to act or judge on one's own: All the decisions were left to our discretion.

dis·cre'tion·al adj., dis·cre'tion·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

discretion 
c.1303, from L.L. discretionem (nom. discretio) "discernment, power to make distinctions," from L. discretionem "separation, distinction," from discre- stem of discernere "to separate, distinguish" (see discern). Phrase at (one's) discretion attested from 1577; the age of discretion (1395) in English law was 14.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: dis·cre·tion
Pronunciation: dis-'kre-sh&n
Function: noun
: power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain bounds imposed by law discretion> discretion —L. H. Tribe>: as a : the power of a judge to use his or her own judgment in making decisions guided by what is fair and equitable and by principles of law —see also ABUSE OF DISCRETION b : the power of a public official or employee to act and make decisions based on his or her own judgment or conscience within the bounds of reason and the law
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Idioms & Phrases

discretion

In addition to the idiom beginning with discretion, also see throw caution (discretion) to the winds.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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