authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 

authorized; authorizing; authorizes

transitive verb

1

: to endorse, empower, justify, or permit by or as if by some recognized or proper authority (such as custom, evidence, personal right, or regulating power)

a custom authorized by time

2

: to invest especially with legal authority : empower

He is authorized to act for his father.

3

archaic : justify sense 1a

authorizer noun

Synonyms

• accredit
• certify
• charter [British]
• commission
• empower
• enable
• invest
• license
• licence
• qualify
• vest
• warrant

Examples of authorize in a Sentence

The city council authorized the sale of the land.

Who authorized the transfer of the funds?

Recent Examples on the Web

Unity Bancorp authorized a new repurchase plan for up to 500,000 shares. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

That would authorize him to detain and deport noncitizens in the United States older than 14. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024

The sensor uses your encrypted fingerprint to unlock your Mac; authorize Apple Pay transactions; authorize downloads from the iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books; and autofill passwords, among other functions. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Voters last authorized funding through a ballot measure in 1998, which extended the authorization through 2025. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisen, autorisen, borrowed from Anglo-French auctorizer, autorizer, borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizāre, auctōrisāre, from Latin auctōr-, auctor "originator, creator, authority" + Late Latin -izāre -ize — more at author entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

authorize

verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 

authorized; authorizing

1

: to give authority to

2

: to give legal or official approval to

authorization

ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən

noun

authorizer

ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər

noun

Legal Definition

authorize

transitive verb

au·​tho·​rize ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 

authorized; authorizing

1

: to give permission to

2

: to give authority to act to

authorization

ˌȯ-thə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun