authorize
verb
au·tho·rize
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrīz 
authorized; authorizing; authorizes
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
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
Getting to Bhutan Two airlines — Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines — serve Bhutan, and only a select few pilots are authorized to fly into Paro International Airport, because navigating the (breathtaking) mountain peaks and valleys is so challenging.
—
Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024
Specifically, the bill permanently extends certain flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19.
—Judy Stone, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Trump also would ultimately be in charge of the federal ethics office after inauguration and would be responsible for pursuing or authorizing any disciplinary or corrective action among his cabinet members.
—Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan authorized the Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, also known as the Grace Commission.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize 
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Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024
Specifically, the bill permanently extends certain flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19.
—Judy Stone, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Trump also would ultimately be in charge of the federal ethics office after inauguration and would be responsible for pursuing or authorizing any disciplinary or corrective action among his cabinet members.
—Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan authorized the Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, also known as the Grace Commission.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authorize
Dictionary Entries Near authorize
Cite this Entry
“Authorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorize. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
authorizer
noun
ˈȯ-thə-ˌrī-zər
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
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