Definition of "agency" in English

noun

1. The capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power.

2. (sociology, philosophy, psychology) The capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices.

   • moral agency
   • individual agency

3. A medium through which power is exerted or an end is achieved.

4. The office or function of an agent; also, the relationship between a principal and that person's agent.

   • authority of agency

5. An establishment engaged in doing business for another; also, the place of business or the district of such an agency.

6. A department or other administrative unit of a government; also, the office or headquarters of, or the district administered by, such unit of government.

   • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
   • Central Intelligence Agency