dɪsˈkreʃən n. 1
being discreet; discreet
behaviour (treats confidences
with discretion). 2 prudence;
self-preservation. 3
the freedom to
act and think as
one wishes, usu.
within legal limits (it is within
his discretion to leave). 4
Law a court's freedom to
decide a
sentence etc. øat discretion as one pleases. at the discretion of to be settled or disposed of
according to the
judgement or
choice of. discretion is the better
part of
valour reckless courage is
often self-defeating.
use one's discretion act according to one's
own judgement. years (or age) of discretion the
esp. legal
age at
which a
person is
able to
manage his or
her own affairs. øødiscretionary adj. [ME f. OF f. L discretio -onis (as DISCREET)]