discretion. n. 1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress. 2. freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp in the phrases at one's own discretion, at the discretion of).iscretion. n. 1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress. 2. freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp in the phrases at one's own discretion, at the discretion of).