Hatóságot

Hatóságot is the accusative singular form of hatóság, a Hungarian noun meaning authority, official power, or a public administrative body. The term can denote either the abstract concept of authority or a concrete agency empowered to regulate, supervise, or decide. In common usage, hatóság is usually described as "the authorities" and is not capitalized.

In legal and administrative contexts, hatóságok are bodies authorized to issue decisions, enforce laws, grant licenses, inspect compliance, and impose sanctions. Examples include the tax authority (adóhatóság), consumer protection authorities, and health or municipal authorities. The form hatóságot is used when the authority is the direct object of a verb: Például: "A hatóságot értesítették" (The authorities were notified).

Etymology and nuance: Hatóság derives from roots related to power and the abstract noun suffix -ság, and is linked to hatalom (power). It can refer to the State’s institutions as a whole or to individual agencies within the public administration. See also közigazgatás, hatósági, adóhatóság.