Definition of discretion Discretion

/dɪskɹɛˈʃʌn/ - [diskreshun] - dis•cre•tion

We found 20 definitions of discretion from 10 different sources.

What does discretion mean?

Noun Plural: discretions
discretion - knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress; "the servants showed great tact and discretion"
		discreetness, circumspection, prudence
		sagaciousness, sagacity, discernment, judgement, judgment the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations
discretion - the trait of judging wisely and objectively; "a man of discernment"
		discernment
		wiseness, wisdom the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight
		circumspection, caution the trait of being circumspect and prudent
discretion - freedom to act or judge on one's own
		liberty freedom of choice; "liberty of opinion"; "liberty of worship"; "liberty--perfect liberty--to think or feel or do just as one pleases"; "at liberty to choose whatever occupation one wishes"
discretion - the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
		free will
		powerfulness, power possession of controlling influence; "the deterrent power of nuclear weapons"; "the power of his love saved her"; "his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade"
discretion - refined taste; tact
		delicacy

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discretion (n.)
Disjunction; separation.
discretion (n.)
The quality of being discreet; wise conduct and management; cautious discernment, especially as to matters of propriety and self-control; prudence; circumspection; wariness.
discretion (n.)
Discrimination.
discretion (n.)
Freedom to act according to one's own judgment; unrestrained exercise of choice or will.

discretion
dis-kresh′un, n. quality of being discreet: prudence: liberty to act at pleasure.—adjs. Discre′tional, Discre′tionary, left to discretion: unrestricted,—advs. Discre′tionally, Discre′tionarily.—Age, Years, of discretion, mature years; At discretion, according to one's own judgment; Be at one's discretion, to be completely under another person's power or control; Surrender at discretion, to surrender unconditionally, that is, to another's discretion. [Through Fr. from L. discretion-em, discernĕre, -crētum.]

discretion
To surrender at discretion, implies an unconditional yielding to the mercy of the conquerors.

discretion
Se rendre à discrétion, surrendering unconditionally to a victorious enemy.

discretion
An instinctive perception that enables us to say, "Oh, shut up!" to the small, weak man, and "I beg your pardon, but I do not entirely agree with your views," to the large, strong one.