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

Four years ago, voters defeated a bond measure that would have authorized $15 billion for schools, including K-12 schools, community colleges and universities. —Emma Whitford, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

The first place in California to authorize youth suffrage was Berkeley, where in 2016 more than 70% of voters approved a measure allowing students to have a voice in school board races. —Meg Tanaka, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Apple isn't the only stock the firm sold, with Buffett authorizing the sale of $9 billion in Bank of America shares – one of the other giants in the company's portfolio. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

No state can adopt permanent daylight saving time unless U.S. Congress passes a law to authorize it first. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 2 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